Young people with an Education Health and Care (EHC) Plan have a review on an annual basis. Under the new Special Educational Needs and Disability legislation (Children and Families Act 2014), we should be thinking about supporting children and young people to prepare for adult life from the earliest possible time. The Year 9 Review however must have a clear focus on the four preparing for adulthood life pathways, these are:
- Preparing for and funding employment
- Independence
- Friends, relationships and community inclusion
- Good health
The EHC reviews must include the young person themselves and they must be at the centre of the process together with the support of their family. Consideration must be given to aspirations and outcomes they wish to achieve, and the activities and provision that can support progress toward the preparing for adulthood outcomes.
It is important to note that after compulsory school age (the end of the academic year in which they turn 16), the right to make decisions under the Children and Families Act 2014 applies to the young person directly rather that to their parents. Parents or other family members can continue to support young people in making decision, or act on their behalf, provided that the young person is happy for them to do so. It is likely that parents will remain closely involved in the great majority of cases and all agencies working with the young person should continue to involve parents in discussions about the young person’s future.
This timeline set out the things that will happen at each stage of the process as a young person moves through school and onto further education, training or employment. It seeks to help young people and their family understand what happens when. It is important to remember however, that whilst this provides a generic timeline, each young person’s situation is different and will be considered on an individual basis.