Questions to ask
What level is the course? What are the entry requirements? What support is available? What happens after this course?
👨👩👧 Parents & Carers
Practical signposting for families supporting young people through careers decisions, college choices, EHCP reviews, transition planning, travel, social care and preparation for adulthood.
Reminder: This page is for general signposting. Families should always check directly with schools, colleges, providers, local authorities and relevant professionals before making decisions.
🏫 Choosing a College or Provider
Choosing a provider is about more than the course title. It is also about support, travel, confidence, independence, entry requirements and progression.
Visit before deciding
Open events, tasters, tours and transition visits can help families judge whether the setting feels right.
Think about support
Ask about EHCP support, communication needs, personal care, anxiety, behaviour, independence and safeguarding.
Check progression
Find out whether the course leads to another level, supported internship, apprenticeship, employment or adult support route.
📄 EHCP Reviews and Transition
EHCP reviews should help young people plan for adulthood, particularly from Year 9 onwards.
Preparation for Adulthood
Reviews should consider employment, independence, community inclusion and health.
Student voice
The young person’s views, interests, hopes and worries should be central to transition planning.
Destination planning
Discuss realistic options early, including college, supported internships, supported employment and specialist provision.
Evidence
Careers interviews, provider visits, tasters, work experience and school reports can all support planning.
🎓 Post-16 and Post-19 Planning
The right next step may change depending on age, course level, EHCP needs, independence, travel and future goals.
Post-16
Young people may move into college, sixth form, supported learning, vocational courses, apprenticeships or work-based pathways.
Post-19
Families should check course availability, funding, EHCP arrangements and adult social care support where relevant.
Course levels
Entry Level, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 courses have different expectations and entry requirements.
Apply early
Popular courses and specialist providers can fill quickly. Apply, visit and ask questions early.
🚌 Travel and Independence
Travel can be one of the biggest practical issues when moving from school to college or work-based learning.
Check expectations
Find out whether the learner is expected to travel independently, with family support or with formal transport assistance.
Travel training
Some learners may benefit from structured travel training to build confidence and safety skills.
Post-19
Travel arrangements can be different after 19. Families should check local authority guidance carefully.
Plan the journey
Consider distance, bus routes, start times, anxiety, safety, weather and what happens if something goes wrong.
💼 Moving Towards Work
Different young people need different routes into employment. Apprenticeships, supported internships and supported employment are not the same thing.
Apprenticeships
Paid jobs with training. Learners need to meet employer expectations and apprenticeship entry requirements.
Supported internships
Structured work-based programmes for young people with EHCPs, usually focused on moving into paid employment.
DFN Project SEARCH
One model of supported internship, usually delivered with an employer and job coach support.
Supported employment
Support to help someone get and keep paid work, including job coaching and workplace adjustments.
🤝 Social Care and Wider Support
Some young people and families may need advice or assessment from social care as part of transition planning.
Community care assessments
Young people with significant needs may require assessment around independence, daily living and support after education.
Adult social care
Where needs are complex, transition planning should consider adult social care before the young person leaves school or college.
Carer support
Parents and carers may also need information about their own support needs and future responsibilities.
Joined-up planning
Education, careers, health and social care should work together where possible.