Age 15 to 16
Education and training
During year 11, you will need to decide what education or training you would like to do when you finish this school year.
You can find information from each of the post 16 educational providers in Lancashire on the SEND Directory.
You can also search the UCAS website for more information on post 16 education options.
School sixth forms usually ask for 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 (including a grade 4 or above in maths and English). If you have an EHC plan, there may be some flexibility with this, if you can achieve success in your chosen course (with the right support).
You might want to think about independent travel training. This is to help you travel from home to school or college on your own.
Remember: the school year finishes early in Year 11. This is regardless of whether you are taking exams or not. It finishes either on the last Friday in June or earlier because of study leave. Check with your school in good time so you can plan what to do when you are not in school.
Year 11 annual review
If you have an SSP or an EHC plan you'll discuss your choices at your year 11 annual review.
If you have an EHC Plan, you can make your wishes known before the annual review. You will discuss your choices during your annual review meeting. A decision about your future will take account of your needs, aspirations and interests. Your EHC plan will be updated to name the school or college that has been agreed and finalised by 31 March. At the annual review of your EHC plan, discuss what support you will need in your next setting (if applicable). Talk about what needs to happen so the changes run smoothly for you.
Make sure you tell them about your hopes and views for the future.
If you have an SSP, staff in your education setting will give you support to plan your post 16 education or training.
If you don't have an SSP, and have additional needs, you can ask for advice from school and your parents.
If you're changing school or moving to college, they will need to work together to make sure that your transition to post 16 is managed well.
In making decisions about packages of support, local authorities should consider how this affects you and your family.
If you are not able to cope with unsupervised learning, or can't stay at home by yourself, the local authority can help. They will consider providing a flexible package of support across education, health and social care. An example of this would be if your course doesn't cover the full 5 days per week.
Packages of support
A flexible 5-day package of support across education, health and social care could be designed for you with different providers in different settings across the week.
It could include non-educational activities such as
- volunteering or community activities
- work experience
- travel training
- skills for living, such as semi-supported or independent accommodation
- support to help you access facilities in the local community and to develop friendships
- health-related activities, or other relevant activities
Making decisions and the Mental Capacity Act
From the end of year 11, you will make your own decisions regarding your education, and your EHCP if you have one. You can still get support from your parents and other people to help you make those decisions.
The Mental Capacity Act is about people age 16+ who are unable to make some or all decisions by themselves. After the age of 16, the Mental Capacity Act says that you should make your own decisions about your life if you are able to. The people that support you will do everything they can to help you understand the decision you need to make. This is part of a Mental Capacity Assessment. If you don't have capacity to make the decision yourself, there is a process in place to help make sure that the right decision is made. You can have someone called an "advocate" to support you with this if you want.
Friendships and leisure opportunities
You may want to join a youth club or other youth groups in your local area. There are some groups just for young people with SEND.
You can find out more about what's on across all services at Lancashire County Council and on the SEND Directory.
If you're not already, you may also be eligible to become a Break Time member which provides you with opportunities to make friends at fun group activities.
The holiday, activities and food (HAF) programme is also available for children on free school meals or with SEND.
Parent carers who use Facebook can follow "Lancashire Local Offer" on Facebook to see details of events, groups and activities for children and young people with SEND.
Health
You are now considered old enough to make decisions about your own medical treatment. If you are unable to do so, the Mental Capacity Act applies.
Annual health checks continue with a GP for people with learning disabilities. This is for those aged 14+.
From the age of 16, adult services start to provide healthcare for you. This depends on the service, so seek advice from the team.
You may access the children and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) at this age. They will notify the appropriate adult mental health service if you meet the criteria for care and support as an adult.
You can read more on our preparing for adulthood health page.
Social care support for children and families
As you approach your 18th birthday, you will move from children's social care into adult social care if you meet the criteria for support.
See age 16 to 18 to find out more about transferring to adult social care.