EHCP Transition Planning: Supporting Young People from 16 to Adulthood

The journey from childhood to adulthood is a time of excitement, uncertainty, and change for every young person. For those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), the transition from 16 to 18 is especially significant. This period is not just about moving from school to college or work—it’s about preparing for a more independent life, with the right support in place. Yet, many families find this stage confusing, with gaps in planning and a lack of clear information about what should happen and when.

How the EHCP Should Evolve as Your Child Approaches Adulthood

An EHCP is not a static document. As your child grows, their needs, aspirations, and circumstances will change. The law expects local authorities to review and update the EHCP so it remains relevant and effective. From Year 9 (age 13-14) onwards, every annual review must include a focus on “preparing for adulthood.” This means the plan should start to address:

• Further education, training, or employment (including apprenticeships and supported internships)

• Independent living skills, such as travel, managing money, and making choices

• Participation in the community and building friendships

• Health and wellbeing, including managing medical needs and accessing adult services

Too often, EHCPs remain focused on school-based support, with little thought given to what comes next. If your child’s plan doesn’t mention these areas, ask for them to be included at the next review.

Legal Duties on Local Authorities: Preparation for Adulthood

Local authorities have a legal duty to support young people with EHCPs as they prepare for adult life. This includes:

• Involving the young person in decisions about their future, and ensuring their views are central to the planning process

• Coordinating with adult social care, health services, and other agencies to ensure a smooth transition

• Providing information about options for further education, employment, and independent living

• Reviewing the EHCP at least annually, with a specific focus on transition from Year 9 onwards

If you feel the local authority is not meeting these duties, raise your concerns in writing and ask for a clear action plan.

Common Gaps in Transition Planning—and How to Address Them

Many families report that transition planning is rushed, vague, or left until the last minute. Common issues include:

• Lack of information about post-16 and post-18 options

• No clear plan for developing independent living skills

• Failure to involve adult social care or health services early enough

• The young person’s views being overlooked or not recorded

To address these gaps, start discussions early—ideally by Year 9. Ask for specific, measurable outcomes in the EHCP that relate to adulthood. Request meetings with adult services before your child turns 18, and keep a record of all communications.

The Role of the Young Person’s Views and Consent at 16

At 16, young people gain new legal rights over their EHCP. They can make decisions about their support, request assessments, and appeal decisions in their own name. The local authority must involve them directly, not just their parents. This can be empowering, but also daunting for some young people.

Encourage your child to express their views, wishes, and goals. This could be through conversations, drawings, or written statements. If your child finds it difficult to communicate, the local authority should provide support to help them take part in the process.

What Happens to the EHCP After 18?

EHCPs can continue up to age 25 if the young person remains in education or training and still needs support. However, the local authority may decide to cease the plan if:

• The young person leaves education or training

• They no longer need the special educational provision set out in the EHCP

If the local authority proposes to end the EHCP, they must consult with the young person (and their family) and explain their reasons. You have the right to challenge this decision if you disagree.

After 18, support may shift from children’s to adult services. This can include adult social care, health services, and support for employment or independent living. It’s important to plan for this handover well in advance, so there are no gaps in support.

Final Thoughts

Transition planning is about more than ticking boxes—it’s about giving young people the confidence and skills to thrive as adults. By staying informed, proactive, and involved, you can help ensure your child’s EHCP truly supports their journey into adulthood.

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Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Outcomes can vary based on your personal circumstances.