Preparing for adulthood

This section includes information on:

• full-time education
• part-time education
• apprenticeships
• internships
• school leaver schemes
• volunteering
• work experience
• career guidance and employability support

A young person can leave school on the last Friday in June if they will be 16 by the end of the summer holidays.

They must then do one of the following things until they are 18:

• stay in full-time education (for example at a college)
• start one of the following:
  • an apprenticeship
  • a work and study programme
  • supported internship
• spend 20 hours (or more) each week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training

View more about these options further below.

At 19 some young people with SEND will finish education and find work or a meaningful occupation.

Some young people with SEND move into higher education. Others will need longer to consolidate their further education and training.

Watch our webinars and short films.

Education, employment and meaningful occupation webinar

Watch the 'Education, employment and meaningful occupation' webinar that we produced with FACT Bucks.

It aims to:

• help you understand the options
• ensure the young person reaches their potential
• explain how their EHC plan can be used

You can also download the preparing for adulthood slides (PDF, 2.22 MB)

Watch our short films

You can watch the short films that we co-produced with young people in the Bucks College Group below. They give information about rights, advice and finding a job or meaningful occupation.

Some of them refer to 'traineeships', however these are not available anymore.

You can see more of our short films on our news, events and webinars page.

You can view these booklets below.

'Planning my future life' is an editable booklet for young people who are working (with support) to identify their wishes for the future.

'EHC Plans for Year 9 and beyond' contains examples of good practice in EHC plans for preparing for adulthood.

Young people can choose to carry on learning after they're 16 by joining a full-time study programme.

This could feature different qualifications including:

• courses that prepare you for adult life, work and taking part in the community (for example ASDAN SEND Provision and OCR Life and Living Skills courses, which are offered in some further education colleges, alternative education providers and special schools)
• academic subjects leading to GCSEs or A Levels or International Baccalaureate
• work-related courses like T Levels or BTEC diplomas
• English and maths skills

A Levels, T Levels, BTEC qualifications or International Baccalaureate could lead to university study.

View more about these qualifications including reasonable adjustments and private candidates on GOV.UK.

View the following websites for help finding courses:

• choosing the best GCSEs for you (BBC Bitesize)
• choosing a provider (Bucks SENDIAS Service)
• information about schools, including status (GOV.UK)
• find a specialist SEND college (Natspec)
• find a course (National Careers Service)
• find a school (The Good Schools Guide)

Young people will be eligible for a course at a suitable level for them, which will enable progress.

Foundation Courses

Foundation Courses are also known as:

• Entry Level
• Pathways
• Foundation learning

They're designed to support students into Level 1 courses, or towards greater adult independence.

You do not need any formal qualifications to access them.

Each college creates their own programmes, so you can view more information on a college's website.

Each entry level qualification is available at 3 sub-levels (1, 2 and 3). Entry level 3 is the most difficult.

Level 1
These courses last 1 year and require 4 GCSEs at grades 1 or 2.

Level 2
These courses last 1 year and require 4 GCSEs at grades 3.

Level 3

These include A levels, BTEC level 3 and T levels. These courses last 2 years and require a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grades 4 to 9.

View more about qualification levels on GOV.UK.

The UK government expects students aged 16 to 19, who do not have a grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English to continue studying these subjects as part of their education. This is known as the Maths and English condition of funding.

Key expectations include:

Continued study

Students must continue to study Maths and English until they achieve at least a grade 4.

Minimum teaching hours

Institutions are expected to provide a minimum of 3 hours per week for English and 4 hours per week for Maths for full-time students, pro-rata for part-time student.

Support and flexibility

Schools and colleges are trusted to use flexible approaches to support each student appropriately.

Progress Monitoring

Institutions are required to monitor and support students’ progress towards achieving these qualifications.

Students with a grade 2 or below in maths or English can study towards a pass in Functional Skills level 2 or they can still study towards a GCSE grade 9 to 4.

View these local 'vocational courses' for specific practical skills and industries:

• video game design courses for neurodiverse young people (EOB Academy)
• specialist fashion courses (Fashion Retail Academy)
• hi-tech training for apprentice engineers and technicians (Oxfordshire Advanced Skills OAS)

If you have an EHC plan, this will end if you start university.

Disability services at the university can help you with:

• applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
• arranging for any adjustments or support to be made

You should share your EHC plan (or SEN Support plan) with the university to help them to decide what you will need to support you there.

View more help:

• advice and financial support for disabled students (UCAS)
• guidance for moving into higher education (Disability Rights UK)
• help with funding (Disability Rights UK)
• advice for students with autism (NAS)
• guidance and glossary (NADP)

View the options for working alongside studying below.

A supported internship is a learning programme for young people (16 to 24) with an EHC, who need extra support to get a job.

They are unpaid and last for at least 6 months.

View more on these websites:

• case studies and local schemes (Bucks Skills Hub)
• supported Internships (Buckinghamshire Adult Learning)
• audio insights from a young person (BSI Bites on Spotify)
• funding for supported internships (GOV.UK)

Apprenticeships are paid roles for over 16s to work and train for up to 4 years.

Entry requirements vary depending on the industry, role and apprenticeship level.

View more on these websites:

• find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)
• how apprenticeships work (GOV.UK)
• guide to apprenticeships (Disability Rights UK)
• step-by-step guide to applying (Amazing Apprenticeships)

School leaver schemes offer a chance to learn and train with a large company (while earning a wage). They're similar to graduate employment schemes but usually last longer (3 to 7 years).

Entry requirements are usually (high grade) A-Levels or an equivalent qualification, with a keen interest in the sector.

They're usually offered in the following sectors:

• accountancy
• engineering
• finance
• IT
• law
• leisure
• retail

You'll often rotate between different locations with the same company to gain different experience. It can include distance learning or time in a college or university.

Work and study programmes you can join

View the following schemes:

• PwC School Leaver Programme
• New Meaning Training
• Talkback post-16 specialist provision

Not every young person will be able to study full-time or move into a work-placement course.

They may have learning difficulties or medical needs to a level which would make this unfeasible now, even if it becomes possible later. For example, they may not be able to follow instructions or focus their attention yet. Or they may be too unwell to attend college or work full-time.

These young people could work or volunteer and study part-time. Benefits include flexibility with timings, and tasks that suit them.

View some part-time study opportunities below.

Independent living and work skills

The Learning for All courses (offered by Buckinghamshire Adult Learning) support adults with learning disabilities to develop independent living and work skills in a collaborative and creative environment.

Maths and numeracy skills

The Multiply scheme (offered by Buckinghamshire Adult Learning) is a free training scheme for adults (19 and over) who have not previously gained a maths GCSE at Grade 4/C or higher.

This is a good scheme for people:

• working towards a maths GCSE or Functional Skills Qualification
• who need specific numeracy skills for their work or progression
• want to improve their general maths skills

Multiply offer online training or classroom training.

Digital skills training for adults (19 and over)

The Digital Skills Training (offered by Buckinghamshire Adult Learning) is free and open to adults (19 and over) lacking essential digital skills.

Before you sign up for a course, complete the short online assessment form to find the appropriate level of digital skills course.

Personal development for young people aged 16 to 24 (not in education, employment or training)

The King's Trust (formerly the Prince’s Trust) offer a variety of support programs for young people aged 16 to 30. These programs are to help boost confidence and essential life skills.

This includes:

• career guidance
• connections with potential employers and learning from experts from companies including:
  • JD Sports
  • NHS
  • Marks & Spencer

It also includes resources, mentoring, and funding opportunities for those interested in starting their own business.

View the courses available on The King's Trust.

You can view work experience opportunities on Bucks Skills Hub.

You can filter by sector, setting or search for keywords. Many of these employers offer SEND support.

View different tools you can use to help you below.

You can use a vocational profile to find out what work or meaningful occupation might suit you:

• Vocational Profile (NDTi)
• request a 'How to be part of the world of work' booklet from Together Matter

Your school or college will also help you to work out what might suit you. Ask to speak to your school careers adviser or your Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo).

An Employment and Training Support Passport is a document that you can use in a workplace or training setting to share information about you.

This could include information like:

• your strengths, skills and experience
• your passions, hobbies and interests
• your diagnosis, disability or health condition
• information to help people understand you better
• a personal emergency plan
• any reasonable adjustments

Download and complete a passport template

You can read guidance about filling in your own passport (PDF, 232 KB) before you complete your own.

When you're ready, download a blank passport to complete (Word, 139 KB).

A Health Adjustment Passport (GOV.UK) can be used if you have a disability or health condition that makes it harder for you to move into work or stay in a job.

You can use it to:

• help identify what support and changes (called reasonable adjustments) you may need at work
• apply for support from Access to Work (including funding for specialist equipment, transport and coaching)
• help you talk to employers about adjustments and in-work support that you may need

A job could also include self-employment, an apprenticeship, work experience or a supported internship.

The UK government expects schools to provide independent careers guidance to all pupils from Year 7 to Year 13. They should ensure pupils have access to information about technical education and apprenticeships. This guidance should align with the eight Gatsby Benchmarks, which set out a framework for high-quality careers education.

Career opportunities and virtual work experience (U-Explore)

You can view available roles and virtual work experience opportunities with various employers on U-Explore.

Careers search engine (National Careers Advice)

You can use the search engine on the National Careers Advice Service to input your stage in education and view advice and options including:

• skills assessments
• CV-writing
• help with applications
• interview tips
• disability support

View the National Careers Service.

Career advice for young disabled people (Buckinghamshire Skills Hub)

Career Pathways is an independent careers advice service for people aged 15 to 25, who live in England and Wales.

You’ll be offered up to 3 one-hour sessions with careers advisers.

View Career Pathways on Buckinghamshire Skills Hub.

Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps are training courses available in many different areas. They can take up to 16 weeks to complete. You can apply if you're 19 (or over).

For most Skills Bootcamps, you do not need to have any previous knowledge in the subject.

You need to speak a good level of English and have a willingness to learn. Skills Bootcamps can take place at a college, another training provider or online.

You can find the right Skills Bootcamp for you through the National Careers Service, then apply directly through the training provider’s website; Skills Bootcamps.

Finding a job

You can use the Government’s Advanced Job Search (DWP) to find Disability Confident employers which are recruiting.

View the Bucks Skills Hub to find jobs in Buckinghamshire.

Job Centre

Your local Job Centre can help you:

• apply for Universal Credit
• apply for Jobseeker's Allowance
• get a job
• find a job coach

View more back to work schemes on GOV.UK.

If you've been out of work for 12 months (or more)

If you're facing complex barriers into employment, you may be able to get help from an Intensive Personalised Employment Support (IPES) programme.

Sector-based work academy programme (SWAPs)

SWAPs give you an opportunity to learn new skills and get experience of working in a particular industry, including:

• care
• construction
• warehouse work

At the end of the programme you’ll often get an interview with an employer. SWAPs are available to jobseekers claiming either Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) in England and Scotland.

View SWAPs on JobHelp.

Access to work and reasonable adjustments

Access to Work is a publicly-funded employment support programme that aims to help more disabled people start or stay in work.

It can provide practical and financial support if you have a disability or physical or mental health condition.

Reasonable adjustments for employment are changes made by employers to remove or reduce disadvantages faced by disabled employees or job applicants. These adjustments are required under the Equality Act 2010.

View more about Access to Work and other help from the government on GOV.UK.

View an Access to Work factsheet on GOV.UK.

You can get Access to Work funding if you are on a supported internship. The provider will usually make the application on your behalf.

View more about reasonable adjustments on ACAS.

Help finding what type of career you'd like

The Oasis Partnership has information about personalised assistance to help you identify career goals and navigate the job market. You can also view free courses to enhance your skills and qualifications.

View Routes to Work on The Oasis Partnership.

Job-seekers course (8 weeks)

CAP Job Clubs can give you practical help for finding work in an eight-week course for job seekers.

The content of the course covers:

• personal motivations to find work
• strengths and skills
• effective job searching
• CV writing
• interview skills
• how to prepare for the first day in a new role

View the CAP UK Job Clubs course.

Transitions to work programme (10 weeks)

View the Transitions to Work programme offered by Talkback and Citizen’s Advice. The programme is for autistic people (aged 16 to 25) who can live and work independently. It's designed to help them transition into work.

Independent living covers:

• having the choice, control and freedom over your life
• the support you will receive and need
• where you want to live
• who you want to live with

Our FACT Bucks SENDIAS webinar covers how children and young people with SEND can learn life skills to help them:

• make choices and decisions ​
• have control over their lives
• identify the support they need to live as independently as possible​

Watch our Independent Living webinar

Download the Independent Living slides (PDF, 2.87 MB)

On the Citizens Advice housing page you can find information about how to:

• rent a home
• buy a home
• find somewhere to live
• handling problems with your landlord
• avoid losing your home

View more housing guidance below:

• step-by-step guide to finding a home (NTDI)
• types of housing (Downs Syndrome Association)
• different ways to get housing (Council for Disabled Children)
• social housing run by councils (Equality and Human Rights Commission)
• homelessness help (Family Information Service)
• housing and job guidance (Together Matters)

Young people aged 16 (and over) with special education needs or disabilities could be entitled to benefits to help them.

This could include:

• Universal Credit
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

View more information on the Family Information Service's money advice for young people with SEND pages.

You can check what you may be entitled to using this independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator on GOV.UK.

View how Buckinghamshire Council can help you.

Family support

The Family Support Service is for young people with SEND aged up to 25.

Adult social care

Help moving from children's social care to adult social care.

Information about paying for adult social care.

How to get the right support from your local authority (The Care Act).

General support with adult social care (Care Advice Buckinghamshire).

Moving into adult social care if you have a life-limiting condition.

The health section covers:

• being as healthy as possible into adult life
• ensuring you're taking care of your individual health needs
• knowing which health professionals and services to work with

View the resources below.

Watch our 'Navigating the health service' webinars.

This webinar shows what is available to support your child or young person's health needs and improving your confidence to make the most of it.

Watch the webinar:

• Part 1; Health services in Buckinghamshire
• Part 2: preparing young people for adulthood
• Part 3: the legal stuff

Or you can read the slides:

• Part 1; Health services slides (PDF 848KB).
• Part 2; preparing young people for adulthood slides (PDF, 3.17MB).
• Part 3; the legal stuff slides (PDF, 5.65MB).

You can read this guide for getting the most from the NHS.

If you have a learning disability, you should be on your GP’s learning disability register.

This should mean you receive:

• reasonable adjustments
• an annual health check every year at your GP practice (if you are 14 years or over)

In the health check, you will have your height and weight measured. You may be asked to have a blood test or a urine test.

You can develop a health action plan which will help remind you what you need to do to keep healthy

It is important to get your annual health check to help you stay healthy and so that any issues can be found before they get worse.

If you've not had your health check, contact your GP practice.

Watch videos from other young people

You can watch videos from young people talking about their experiences with the health check:

• watch Harshi talk about the health check
• watch Charlotte talk about the health check

Learning Disability Register

Find out about the Learning Disability Register.

Transitioning from child to adult services

Watch Agnes's video about moving from children's to adult health services.

Read a short leaflet about what to expect when moving into adult care.

Health and hospital passports

A health or hospital passports can help improve your experience when you have an appointment. Examples of passports include:

• a Health Passport, with information like:
  • your health and wellbeing
  • what you prefer to be called
  • how to communicate with you
• a Neuro-Inclusion Passport, with information like:
  • your name
  • anything that causes you anxiety
  • how to communicate with you
• an A&E grab sheet, if you need emergency care in hospital

This section covers:

• participating in community life
• building social networks
• accessing local services and activities (face-to-face or virtual)

Community inclusion means joining in with community activities, building social networks and using local services either face to face or online, based on what you prefer.

This webinar explains why community inclusion is important for your child or young person with SEND.

It includes information on how adults can help SEND children and young people to feel included in their community and to lead fulfilling lives.

You'll also learn what to expect at different stages and find out about resources available here in Buckinghamshire.

Watch our Community Inclusion webinar

You can download the Community Inclusion slides now.

View the resources available:

• advice on sexuality and relationships (Mencap)
• staying safe online (Talkback)

In England, mental capacity refers to the ability of a young person to make their own decisions.

This means being able to understand, retain, and weigh up information relevant to a decision, and communicate that decision.

This is governed by the Mental Capacity Act 2005 which applies to individuals aged 16 and over. They are presumed to have mental capacity. This means they can consent to or refuse treatment or a course of action, and their decisions are legally binding.

If a young person is assessed as lacking capacity, decisions may involve parents, medical professionals, and other agencies to ensure the individual’s best interests are considered.

For under 16s the Mental Capacity Act does not apply. Instead, their ability to make decisions is assessed using the concept of Gillick Competence, which determines if a child can understand and make decisions about their own treatment.

Mental capacity webinar

Our FACT Bucks SENDIAS webinar informs you about decision-making for children and young people with SEND from the age of 16.

Watch our mental capacity and decision making webinar.

Information on mental capacity changes frequently. For the latest version, you can sign up to a free live webinar from:

• Mencap webinar
• Renaissance Legal events for families and carers of disabled

You can also:

• read more about the Mental Capacity Act
• read the Mental Capacity Act resource pack (from Mencap)
• view case studies on the law