Preparing for adulthood - education and apprenticeships (SEND)

You need to stay in education or training until you are 18 years old, but once you turn 16 you leave your school and need to decide what to do for your post-16 education. 

You could go into further education like sixth-form or college, or you could get an apprenticeship or supported internship. Whatever you choose, you should have support so that you feel confident in your choices.

If you have an education, health and care plan (EHCP), this may continue up to age 25 depending on your plan. Once you are 16, you can take more control over your EHCP.

An education, health, and care plan (EHCP) can continue until age 25, depending on the support you require and what you want to do after leaving school.

By the time you are in year 9 or year 10, you will probably already be thinking about what you want to do when you leave school in year 11. Thinking about this as early as possible can help you plan ahead.

The people who know you best and professionals who have supported you in your journey can help you with advice about what decisions to make. If you have additional or SEND support at school, you should speak with your special educational needs coordinator (SENDCo) for advice. 

If you are 16 or 17 and not in education, employment or training, you can contact our post-16 team on 01275 884 443 or e-mail neet@n-somerset.gov.uk or YES@n-somerset.gov.uk for more information and support.

When you turn 18, our transitions team can help you move from education into employment and there is information on this page about apprenticeships and internships. You may also want to consider university. The UCAS website has useful information to help students with additional needs.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship takes one to four years to complete and combines practical training in a job with studying. You will:

• work alongside experienced staff
• gain job-specific skills
• earn a wage and get holiday pay
• study toward a qualification

You might find it helpful to look at the websites of colleges in the area.

Supported internships

A supported internship is a way of preparing yourself for working in a paid job. It is aimed at young people who have an EHCP. On a supported internship, you will get:

• an unpaid work placement for at least six months
• support from a qualified job coach
• a personalised study programme