Progressing into adulthood

This is the time to start thinking about the future and setting goals. During this stage, annual EHCP reviews begin to focus on preparing for adulthood and identifying the support that will help achieve long-term aspirations. 

What is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people aged 0–25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities who need additional support to achieve their educational outcomes.

From Year 9 (age 13–14), the annual EHCP review begins to focus on Preparing for Adulthood. This includes planning for further education, employment, independent living, good health and participation in the community.

At Hamelin, we can support young people and their families alongside this transition process by helping to build the confidence, skills and independence needed for adult life.

Young people may begin developing:

• Confidence and self-esteem
• Everyday life skills
• Communication skills
• Travel skills
• Community participation
• Friendships
• Healthy lifestyles

Hamelin's Life Skills programme helps people develop practical everyday skills, increase confidence and reduce social isolation while working towards greater independence. Support is personalised around each individual's goals and includes opportunities to gain recognised ASDAN qualifications. Read more about Life Skills here.

As young people move towards adulthood, planning becomes more focused on education, employment, independent living and community participation.

This may include:

• College or further education
• Work experience
• Short breaks (trying overnight stays at Gowlands)
• Volunteering
• Developing employability skills
• Learning to travel independently
• Managing money
• Building confidence

Hamelin supports young people to develop the practical and personal skills needed to prepare for adult life, helping them build confidence and work towards meaningful future opportunities through programmes such as Life Skills and Ability Works. 

Transition continues beyond the age of 18. Adult life brings new opportunities to develop independence, make choices and achieve personal ambitions.

Many people continue to work towards goals such as:

• Finding paid employment
• Living more independently
• Building friendships
• Taking part in community activities
• Improving health and wellbeing
• Learning new skills

Hamelin's community services provide ongoing support to help autistic people and people with learning disabilities achieve these goals in ways that are meaningful to them. Read more about our community support services here.

Preparing for adulthood focuses on four key areas:

1. Employment
2. Developing skills, confidence and experience to access volunteering, training or paid employment.
3. Independent Living

4. Learning practical skills such as cooking, budgeting, shopping, travelling independently and managing everyday responsibilities.

    

Good Health
Developing healthy lifestyles, attending appointments, understanding personal health needs and maintaining emotional wellbeing.

Friends, Relationships and Community
Building friendships, developing social confidence and becoming an active member of the local community.

Our services are designed to help people achieve their goals and live as independently as possible.

Support may include:

• Practical life skills
• Community participation
• Confidence building
• Employability support
• Health and wellbeing
• Social opportunities
• Building friendships
• Developing independence
• Working towards recognised qualifications

Everything we do is centred around the individual, recognising that everyone's journey is different and that success looks different for each person.

Transition is the process of preparing a young person with a learning disability and/or autism for adult life. It usually begins around the age of 14 (Year 9) and continues until age 25 for many young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).  

Transition is about much more than changing services. It includes developing independence, making choices, accessing education or employment, maintaining good health, building friendships and becoming an active member of the community. 

Transition planning should begin from Year 9 (around age 14) as part of the annual EHCP review. Starting early gives young people and their families time to explore options, build skills and prepare for the future at a pace that is right for them.

Hamelin supports autistic people and people with learning disabilities across Essex. Our services are designed to help people build confidence, develop independence and achieve their personal goals. 

Support may be available through self-referral, family referral, professional referral or through local authority funding, depending on the service.

We can support young people and adults to develop skills in many areas, including: 

• Independent living skills 
• Cooking and healthy eating 
• Shopping and budgeting 
• Travel training 
• Communication and social skills 
• Building confidence 
• Community participation 
• Friendships and relationships 
• Preparing for employment 
• Health and wellbeing 

Our support is always person-centred and tailored to each individual's goals and aspirations. 

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that describes a young person's education, health and social care needs, along with the support required to help them achieve their outcomes. 

If you have an EHCP, transition planning forms part of your annual review from Year 9 onwards. 

No. While some children's services end at 18, planning for adulthood continues beyond this age. 

Many young people continue to receive support through education, adult social care and community services until age 25 if appropriate. Hamelin offers services that support people throughout adulthood as they continue to develop independence and achieve their goals.

Yes. Developing independence is at the heart of what we do. Our programmes help people gain practical life skills and confidence so they can make choices, take greater control of their lives and participate fully in their communities. 

Yes. We can support people to develop employability skills, build confidence, gain experience and prepare for employment. We focus on helping individuals identify their strengths and work towards meaningful opportunities that match their interests and ambitions.

Yes. Building friendships and reducing social isolation is an important part of preparing for adulthood. 

We provide opportunities for people to meet others, take part in activities, develop social confidence and become active members of their local communities. 

Parents and carers play a vital role in preparing for adulthood. Encouraging independence at home, involving young people in decision-making and planning ahead can all make the transition smoother. 

Remember that every young person's journey is different, and progress may happen at different times and in different ways.

Some of the key areas to consider include: 

• Education and training 
• Employment and volunteering 
• Independent living skills 
• Housing options 
• Health and wellbeing 
• Friendships and relationships 
• Community participation 
• Money management 
• Travel and transport 
• Future goals and aspirations

Useful resources include: 

• Essex Local Offer 
• Essex SENDIASS 
• NHS Learning Disability and Autism services 
• Post-16 Parents & Carers Guide
• Essex Carers Network - Preparing for adulthood
• Essex Carers Network - The thinking ahead guide - together matters

If you're unsure where to start, Hamelin can help you understand your options and signpost you to the right support. 

If you would like to find out more about our transition support or any of our services, please contact our friendly team. We will be happy to discuss your goals, answer your questions and help you explore the support available. Contact us.