What is Preparing for Adulthood?
This is the term used when considering what social care support a young person with an EHCP may need as they become an adult - if there is not current social care involvement.
Schools have a responsibility to include PFA planning from the year 9 review onwards. Guidance in the form of PFA best practice guidelines can be found on the next page in this section.
Preparing for adulthood means preparing for:
- higher education and/or employment – this includes exploring different employment options, such as support for becoming self-employed and help from supported employment agencies.
- independent living – this means having choice, control and freedom over your life, the support you receive, your accommodation and living arrangements.
- having a life - participating in society – including having friends and supportive relationships, and participating in, and contributing to, the local community.
- being as healthy as possible in adult life
When it starts
Preparing for adulthood formally begins at year 9 (age 13/14) and can continue up to 25 years of age as long as there is an education, health and care (EHC) plan in place. When the EHC plan finishes, if the young person has health and social care needs, these needs will continue to be met. A transition plan will be developed at each review meeting and each transition plan will be unique, based on the individual's circumstance and needs.
The benefits
Starting to plan at year 9 allows time to research options, plan the appropriate path and put in place any support the young person needs in their final years at school to make sure their progression in the future is successful. Early planning aims to make the transition into adulthood a smoother process.
Any decisions or choices are flexible. Your child's ideas and wishes may change. However, it is a chance to start to look at what will be needed.
Identifying young people's needs and aspirations early will help identify any gaps in service provision and shape the future provision of education, health and social care services in Kirklees, including accommodation.
It is vital to involve young people in the decisions that are made relating to PFA
For more information, go to the Kirklees PFA page or go to the Local Offer pages about PFA.
