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Preparing for Adulthood

Leaving school and moving into adulthood can be a challenging time for all young people, especially for those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).  It’s never too early to think about preparing for adulthood and what this period of transition may involve, ensuring that the aspirations of the young person are at the heart of all planning.


Preparing for adulthood can be an exciting time of new opportunities, choices and increased independence, but it can also be a difficult and uncertain time. Young people and their parents and carers may be unsure about what to expect and where to get advice, support or information to help make decisions at this key time.

Here you will find information for parents and carers, young people and practitioners to guide everyone through this transition into adulthood.

There are four main pathways that young people say are important to them when they begin to think about their future, Employment, Independent Living, Community Inclusion and Health. In addition to the pathways identified by young people, parents and carers are telling us that want to know how they can best support young people to move from Children to Adult Services and to ensure that there are no gaps in service provision. To find out more click on the Moving into Adult Services tab. Click on each pathway to find out more information about each subject:

Browse by subject

  1. Being Independent
  2. Employment, Educational and Post 16 Training Options
  3. Your local Community
  4. Being Healthy
  5. Moving into Adult Services
  6. Preparing for Adulthood guide
  7. Preparing for Adulthood Easy Read guide
  8. Preparing for Adulthood Festival 2023 Event Guide
  9. Preparing for Adulthood Festival 2023 Exhibator Guide