Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) supports young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) and their families plan for the transition into becoming an adult.
Access to the right information at the right time will help young people and families to plan and make choices that meet individual needs.
The focus will be on:
- Higher Education or employment - including exploring different employment options, such as support for becoming self-employed and help from supported employment agencies
- Independent living - this means young people have choice, control and freedom over their lives and the support they have, their accommodation and living arrangements, including supported living
- 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 - ensuring access to the right health professionals who understand the young person’s learning difficulties and disabilities
When does the process start?
The Preparing for Adulthood Pathway starts when a young person is in Year 9 (13 or 14 years old) and continues until they leave school.
During year 9, there will be opportunities for young people and their families to talk about choices for post 16 pathways into further learning or employment. The most appropriate pathway for the young person will be identified.
Transition support from other agencies may continue until the young person is 25.
We have worked with young people, parents and carers, housing, schools, colleges and employers to develop a local ‘Post 16 preparing for adulthood processes to meet the needs of young people with SEND.
This process will be reviewed frequently to ensure it continues to reflect any changes to meet the needs.
View the pathway for preparing for adulthood
Who will be involved?
The young person and their views will be central to all planning processes. Key people from the school or college, family, representatives from the council and professionals working with the young person who have a good understanding about what is available, will all be involved in preparing for adulthood.
The Local Offer
Along with health services, parents and young people, we have all been involved in developing Bolton's Local Offer.
The Local Offer will continually be developed as more support and services are made available.
Help finding work for young people with learning difficulties
Bolton Employability offer support in a variety of ways from job search through to job placement and student support during those placements.
Find out more about supported employment
Help and support for young disabled people to find and stay in work
Information on GOV.UK provides links to help young disabled people find and stay in work. It is aimed at young disabled people, their parents and the professionals who work with them.
Other useful websites
www.connexions-bolton.com
www.ucasprogress.com
Colleges and other organisations
Below are details of what some of the local the post-16 institutions and other educational organisations can offer young people with SEND.