Early planning and collaboration help young people with SEND build independence, connect with their communities, and thrive as they transition to adulthood.
At Welcare, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to transition into adulthood with confidence, dignity, and support—especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This blog explores the key insights from Ofsted and CQC’s thematic review on SEND transition planning, offering a roadmap for local partnerships, caregivers, and professionals working with children and young people with SEND.
Click here to read the full review.
1. Start Transition Planning Early for Children with SEND
The foundation of successful adulthood begins in early childhood. Strong local area partnerships are those that begin planning for independence and future goals from the earliest years. Whether it’s learning to dress themselves in early childhood or practicing financial literacy in adolescence, early life skills development prepares young people for more confident transitions.
For children with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, integrating transition planning into annual reviews from the age of 14 ensures that every milestone is intentional and aligned with personal aspirations. When children are guided from an early age, they gain the time and support they need to explore who they are and what they want from their future.
Parents, too, benefit from early transition planning. It provides reassurance, practical strategies, and a clear roadmap that reduces stress. Schools and early years providers should work closely with families to begin this process with optimism and a shared sense of purpose.
2. Ensure Consistent and High-Quality Career Support for Children with SEND
Career Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) should be tailored to each young person’s needs. Yet, those without an EHC plan often miss out. Mainstream schools, in particular, need stronger frameworks to deliver personalised advice and career pathways for learners with SEND.
Specialist settings often lead the way, employing transition workers and job coaches who match young people’s aspirations with appropriate training and employment opportunities. Expanding these supports across all settings can help more young people find meaningful and sustainable work.
Students should be introduced to a wide range of career options—not only traditional academic paths, but vocational programs, apprenticeships, and creative industries. Confidence comes from knowing you have choices. With structured exposure to different work environments, children with SEND can discover careers that suit their strengths and passions.
3. Improve Access to Employment and Supported Internships for Children with SEND
Employment is a crucial milestone in adulthood. Yet many young people with SEND face barriers, from a lack of local opportunities to the sudden end of support when EHC plans cease.
Supported internships provide a powerful springboard into employment, but they’re often only available to those with EHC plans. Welcare supports the call for policy reform to make supported internships more inclusive. Likewise, partnerships that foster strong relationships with local employers and create a single point of contact for SEND recruitment are making a noticeable difference.
In some communities, schools and colleges have taken innovative steps, opening on-site cafés or social enterprises that provide real employment experience. These settings help young people build both technical and interpersonal skills in a safe and encouraging environment.
Job coaches and personal advisors also play a vital role. They not only match young people to job placements but also support them through challenges, celebrating milestones and helping them build confidence along the way.
4. Invest in Independent Living Skills and Accommodation for Children with SEND
Living independently is about more than finding a place to live—it’s about confidence, safety, and daily autonomy. From cooking classes to money management, children and young people with SEND thrive when given structured opportunities to build life skills.
Unfortunately, there is a national shortage of specialist supported housing. This limits young people’s choices and can delay their independence. Local authorities and integrated care systems must prioritise funding for accessible, tailored accommodation—and engage families in planning every step of the journey.
Parents and carers often fear the unknown. Transition planning should include realistic, hands-on experiences with living away from home. Some areas offer residential weekends or life-skills hubs to bridge this gap. These programs are crucial in easing anxiety and building independence step by step.
5. Build Community Inclusion and Belonging for Children with SEND
A fulfilling life includes friendships, hobbies, and being part of something bigger. Yet children and young people with SEND often face isolation, especially in rural areas or when services are poorly communicated.
The best local partnerships collaborate with youth groups, family hubs, and inclusive education providers to offer targeted, accessible opportunities. From community sports to singing clubs, these experiences build confidence and social skills—and help young people feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
Children with SEND benefit when community inclusion is part of a wider strategy. GPs, schools, and voluntary organisations must work together to ensure families know what’s available and feel welcome. An inclusive community doesn’t just offer activities—it actively invites participation.
6. Ensure Seamless Transitions Between Children’s and Adult Health Services for Children with SEND
One of the most serious challenges in SEND support is the “cliff edge” many young people face when transitioning from children’s to adult health services. Mental health services, in particular, are often discontinued abruptly, leaving families in crisis.
Welcare urges stronger national standards for health transitions and increased joint commissioning between children’s and adult services. With consistent, flexible, and inclusive health pathways, young people can move into adulthood with continuity of care and peace of mind.
Primary care providers and integrated care systems should explore models that bridge the 16–25 age gap—ensuring that a young person doesn’t lose services simply due to their birthday. Health checks, therapy, and access to medication should be maintained without interruption.
7. Listen to Families of Children with SEND—and Act on What They Say
Parent and carer voices are powerful. Many have long reported gaps in communication, services ending too soon, and not knowing what support is available. Welcare believes the most successful services are co-produced—with parents, carers, and young people shaping the design.
Youth forums, peer mentoring, EHC plan redesigns, and inclusive review meetings are just a few examples of how partnerships can include real voices in meaningful ways. Families should never have to face transitions alone or in the dark.
Partnerships should prioritise transparent communication and shared decision-making. When services listen with intention—and respond with action—families feel empowered, supported, and seen.
In Conclusion: A National Call to Support Children with SEND
Children and young people with SEND deserve a future full of possibility. At Welcare, we are committed to supporting partnerships, local authorities, and health systems that prioritise SEND transitions. With early planning, consistent services, and inclusive mindsets, we can replace “cliff edges” with bridges to opportunity.
This journey isn’t one we walk alone. Families, schools, employers, and healthcare professionals must come together to build a system that supports every child not just through education, but through every stage of life. Let’s continue to listen, learn, and lead with compassion—and most importantly, let’s support children with SEND where it matters most.
