What preparing for adulthood means
Guidance around transitioning from age 14 (Year 9) through to adulthood.
Preparing for adulthood means preparing for:
- higher education and/or employment – this includes exploring different employment options, such as support for becoming self-employed and help from supported employment agencies.
- independent living – this means having choice, control and freedom over your life, the support you receive, your accommodation and living arrangements.
- having a life - participating in society – including having friends and supportive relationships, and participating in, and contributing to, the local community.
- being as healthy as possible in adult life
When it starts
Preparing for adulthood formally begins at year 9 (age 13/14) and can continue up to 25 years of age as long as there is an education, health and care (EHC) plan in place. When the EHC plan finishes, if the young person has health and social care needs, these needs will continue to be met. A transition plan will be developed at each review meeting and each transition plan will be unique, based on the individual's circumstance and needs.
The benefits
Starting to plan at year 9 allows time to research options, plan the appropriate path and put in place any support the young person needs in their final years at school to make sure their progression in the future is successful. Early planning aims to make the transition into adulthood a smoother process.
Any decisions or choices are flexible. Your child's ideas and wishes may change. However, it is a chance to start to look at what will be needed.
Identifying young people's needs and aspirations early will help identify any gaps in service provision and shape the future provision of education, health and social care services in Kirklees, including accommodation.
Videos
Short videos of young peoples experiences:
Education and preparing for employment - Internships video
This film clip is about three young men, Kyle, Sam and Fenton and their experience of internships and preparing for employment.
Education and preparing for employment – Jonathan's story
This film clip is about a young man, Jonathan’s experience of preparing for employment.
Education and preparing for employment – Marsha's story
This film clip is about a young woman, Marsha’s experience of preparing for employment.
Independent living – Nadine's story
This film clip is about a young woman, Nadine and her experience of living independently.
Independent living – Max's story
This film clip is about a young man, Max and his experience of living independently.
Participating in society, Travel training video
This film clip is about two young men, Martin and Matthew, and their experience of learning to travel independently.
Participating in society, Volunteering video
This film clip explains what volunteering is and explains about three young people, Casey, Jessica and Josh, and their experience of volunteering.
Participating in society, Luv2meetU video
This film clip explains what Luv2meetU is and follows the group on a day out in Slaithwaite.
General health, Staying healthy video
This film clip provides information about how to stay as healthy as possible in adult life.
Health - Continuing care transition video
This film clip provides information about the continuing care transition process.
Health transition video
This film clip provides information about the health transition process.
Parents' perspectives of preparing for adulthood video
This film clip includes a number of parents of young people preparing for adulthood and includes their experiences and messages for other parents.