Preparing for adulthood

A guide to the support available to help young people become more independent - prepare for and find employment, be as healthy as possible and develop friendships and relationships.

All young people face big changes when they leave school and move towards adulthood. These changes can be especially challenging if you have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Professionals across education, social care and health have a duty to support young people who have SEND to prepare for adulthood and achieve their potential.

Preparing for adulthood starts from the earliest years. Preparing for adulthood is everyone’s responsibility. This helps all young people with SEND, not just those with an education, health and care plan.

This information shows what support may be available to you at different stages of the journey to adulthood: