Preparing for adulthood: planning from age 14

In short

• In England, planning for adult life should be part of your EHC plan reviews from Year 9, usually when you are 13 or 14.
• Planning covers work, where you will live, friends and community, and your health.
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005 applies to people aged 16 and over in England and Wales.
• Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own systems, with different names and rules.

Why planning starts in Year 9

Preparing for adulthood is not only about jobs. It covers where you will live, how you will spend your time, who you can turn to, and how you will look after your health.

In England, the SEND Code of Practice for 0 to 25 year olds says that the EHC plan review in Year 9, and every review after it, must include a focus on preparing for adulthood. Reviews before Year 9 can use the same focus, and this often helps.

The Code groups this planning into four outcome areas:

• employment
• independent living and housing
• friends and community
• health and wellbeing

You can use these four areas as a checklist when you read your plan.

What to ask for

Ask your school or college what the plan says about each area. Ask what options exist after 16, such as further education, training, apprenticeships, supported internships or work. A good plan has clear, specific outcomes, not vague goals.

Ask about health transition too. You may need to move from children's to adult services for GP care, mental health support or therapies. Ask your school or council who will lead that move, and when it will happen.

Your voice in the plan

You should take part in your review. Say what you want, what helps you, and what does not. You can ask for the meeting to be at a time and place that suits you, and for papers to be sent in advance so you have time to read them.

The Mental Capacity Act (England and Wales)

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 sets out how decisions are made for people who may not be able to make a particular decision for themselves. Section 2(5) says that no power under the Act can be used in relation to a person under 16. The Act therefore applies from age 16.

Three points matter most:

• The Act starts from the idea that you can make your own decisions unless it is shown that you cannot.
• Capacity is decision specific. You may be able to make some decisions and need help with others.
• Being autistic does not, in itself, mean you lack capacity.

Think about whether you would like to name someone to help with decisions in future. In England and Wales, this is called a lasting power of attorney.

Adult health and social care

Adult services work differently from children's services. Ask about this before you leave school or college, not afterwards. In England and Wales, adult social care uses a needs assessment, which you can read about in the independent living guide.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

• Scotland: Planning for school leavers with additional support needs is set out in Additional Support for Learning law and guidance. The National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy for young disabled people covers 2025 to 2030. Scotland also has its own law on decisions for adults who may lack capacity.
• Wales: The Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 covers young people aged 0 to 25 with additional learning needs.
• Northern Ireland: Education and transition arrangements are set locally. Check nidirect for current information. Northern Ireland also has its own law on decisions for adults who may lack capacity.

Practical steps

1. Ask for a copy of your current plan and read the outcomes.
2. Request a review that focuses on preparing for adulthood.
3. Ask who will lead health and social care transition, and when.
4. Keep copies of important letters, reports and plans.

This guide is general information, not professional advice.