Transitional planning for young people
We support young people aged 14 to 26 with any additional support needs as they move from school into adulthood. We work with you and your family to plan early, understand what matters to you, and make sure you get the right support at the right time.
Who we support
Most young people leave school using the school’s usual arrangements. If you need more help, we will identify this from around age 14 or about two years before you expect to leave school. We will then arrange a transition planning meeting with you, your family and the professionals who support you.
What happens at a transition planning meeting
At your meeting, we talk about:
- what matters to you
- what support you may need in the future
- who can help you now and after you leave school
- your goals for learning, work, health and independence
We use simple language and focus on your strengths. You may hear us talk about complex or non‑complex needs. This helps us understand the level of support you may need as an adult. If you want information about adult social work or Self‑directed Support, we will explain this clearly as part of your planning.
How we work with you
You and your family are at the centre of every decision. We follow the national “Principles of Good Transitions”, which help make the move to adulthood smoother and more consistent.
You can also use the online Compass tool to help you prepare for meetings, explore options and keep track of your plans.
Who is involved
We work with a wide range of partners, including:
- children’s and justice social work
- adult and older people’s social work
- continuing care and aftercare
- Family Connections
- education
- health services
We are currently updating our multi‑agency transition guidance to make it easier for young people, parents and carers to follow each stage.