Introduction to Transition
Moving into Adulthood (Transition)
- What is Transition?
- What is Transition Planning?
- Who can help?
- What happens between the ages of 17-18 years?
What is Transition?
Transition is about change and for young people with learning, physical or sensory disabilities this can mean moving from school and into adult life. Young people need to have access to all the opportunities and information they are entitled to or want at a time that is meaningful to them. The young person should be at the centre of their future planning; and their goals and aspirations listened to and acted on.
Young people with a disability and their families often find the transition to adulthood both stressful and difficult. However, starting adult life should be a time of opportunity for young people and should be a positive experience as they take steps towards adulthood.
There are two elements to transition that face young people and this will involve changes in education; and for some young people changes in some of the services they are receiving.
What is Transition Planning?
Young people need to make important choices about their future, such as:
- what they want to do when they leave school
- going into further education
- getting a job
- where they will live
- starting new relationships
- who can provide support
Transition planning begins at about the age of 14 years (year 9) when the young person's school will organise a Transition Review. All young people with a Statement of Special Educational Needs must have a Transition Plan written at their Year 9 review which will reflect their ideas for the future. All transition reviews will involve all those people and organisations that will help and assist the young person when he/she leaves school.
The plan will identify who needs to do what and by when to help with the young person's transition. These Transition reviews will continue until the young person has left school.
Who can help?
Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) has lead responsibility for co-ordinating support for students with special educational needs.
Integrated Services for Children with Additional Needs (ISCAN) provide a range of care and support services such as care in the home, holiday activity schemes, respite services and advice, guidance and counselling to young people and their families.
Connexions 
Personal Adviser works with young people and their parents or carers to help them make choices about the future.
Transition Co-ordinator, Adult Services provides a link between children's and adult services and can provide information and advice about adult services.
Local Authority Special Educational Needs Officer is a designated officer with responsibility for students with a Statement of Special Educational Needs. They ensure that Statements are written and reviewed and the needs identified in the Statement are met.
Physiotherapists can support young people who have difficulties and problems with movement and posture or have respiratory difficulties. They aim to improve breathing, mobility, circulation and strengthen muscles.
Speech and Language Therapists assess and provide therapy for young people with communication and/or eating and swallowing difficulties.
Educational Psychologists work with schools and parents/carers to assess and offer support with a young person's learning and development.
Occupational Therapists assess and advise on specialist aids and equipment that can assist mobility and promote independence.
What happens between the ages of 17 - 18 years?
When a young person is 17 a referral will be made to adult services and an assessment undertaken. If a young person needs support, planning will begin to ensure that this is available when they move into adult services at 18.
Further information: