Preparing for adulthood is a vital part of the journey for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

As outlined in the SEND Code of Practice (2015), this preparation should begin early. In Wolverhampton, we believe that preparing for adulthood starts in the early years as children develop skills to socialise, manage their own care needs and have interests that will develop into aspirations for learning and work.

If a young person has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) the annual review at Year 9 must include a focus on moving into adulthood. This focus should be centred around the young person’s aspirations, interests, and needs. 

The goal is to support young people to achieve the four key life outcomes:

  • Learning and Employment
  • Living as independently as possible
  • Friends, relationships and accessing the community
  • Health and well-being 

This process is not just about services—it’s about empowering young people and their families to make informed choices and plan for the future. It involves coordinated support from education, health, and social care services, with a focus on early planning, person-centred approaches, and clear pathways to adult life.

For young people with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan, the annual review from Year 9 onwards must include a focus on preparing for adulthood. This includes exploring options for post-16 education, training, employment, housing, and community participation. Where appropriate, Care Act assessments and Continuing Healthcare eligibility should also be considered as part of a smooth transition to adult services. 

Our Local Offer outlines the support, services, and guidance available to help young people with SEND and their families navigate this important phase. Whether you're a young person, parent, carer, or professional, this section is designed to help you understand what to expect, what support is available, and how to plan effectively for a fulfilling adult life.

Who attends the Preparing for Adulthood Meeting?

The most important person at Preparing for Adulthood meetings is the young person. Your child will be asked if they want to attend.

  • You, as a parent or carer, will be invited. If the young person is being looked after by the local authority their social worker, residential care worker or foster carers will be invited
  • Your child’s Connexions Careers Adviser will be there.
  • There will also be invitations for:
    • your child’s teacher
    • a representative from Wolverhampton SENSTART
    • Social Services
    • Health Service worker

You may also want to ask for invitations for other people who support your family such as a friend, an advocate, or someone who helps your child, such as an 'independent supporter'.

Help in getting ready for the Preparing for Adulthood meeting

Connexions Career Adviser will help your child prepare for the Year 9 Preparing for Adulthood meeting by completing the person centred ‘Getting Ready’ document. You will have an opportunity to contribute to this.

The person-centred tool that covers a wide range of factors about your child that supports your child to express their wishes and needs. These factors include:

  • Hopes and dreams for the future
  • Future plans for getting a job
  • Keeping safe and healthy
  • How your child likes to be supported.

Further information about the service can be found at Connexions Wolverhampton.