Transition from school

Planning the transition into post-16 education and training

The SEND Code of Practice (2015) states:

Young people entering post-16 education and training should be accessing provision which supports them to build on their achievements at school and which helps them progress towards adulthood. Young people with EHC plans are likely to need more tailored post-16 pathways.

It is important that information about previous SEN provision is shared with the further education or training provider. Schools should share information before the young person takes up their place, preferably in the spring term prior to the new course, so that the provider can develop a suitable study programme and prepare appropriate support.

Schools and colleges should work in partnership to provide opportunities such as taster courses, link programmes and mentoring which enable young people with SEN to familiarise themselves with the college environment and gain some experience of college life and study.

For children and young people with EHC plans, discussions about post-16 options will be part of the preparing for adulthood focus of EHC plan reviews, which must be included as part of the review from Year 9 (age 13-14). The local authority must ensure these reviews take place, and schools and colleges must co-operate with the local authority in these reviews. If it is clear that a young person wants to attend a different school (sixth form) or a college, then that school or college must co-operate, so that it can help to shape the EHC plan, help to define the outcomes for that young person and start developing a post16 study programme tailored to their needs.

Staffordshire Educational Psychology Service have produced some information about supporting transition (448 KB) that may be useful here.