Most schools can support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) using a SEND support plan. If more help is needed, the local authority may create an EHC Plan, a legal document outlining the young person's needs and how to meet them.
Find more information about EHC Plans: Education, health and care (EHC) plans and assessments
EHC Plan Annual Reviews
EHC Plans are reviewed yearly to monitor progress and plan for adulthood. Reviews from Year 9 onwards focus on preparing for adulthood, including employment, independent living, and community participation. The young person's views are important in this process.
The Year 9 EHC Plan Annual Review should include planning and support in the following areas:
- suitable post-16 pathways to employment, higher education or training opportunities
- undertaking work experience
- help to understand benefits including housing benefits and money matters
- preparing for independent living
- where young people want to live in the future and the support they will need
- local housing options and support to find accommodation
- eligibility for social care
- maintaining good health and wellbeing in adulthood
Find out more information about the annual review process: Annual reviews for education health and care (EHC) plans
When an EHC Plan might come to an end
A young person's needs, circumstances, aims or aspirations will inform their pathway and may mean that an EHC Plan is no longer appropriate. The EHC Team will work with the young person and their family to identify next steps and amend or cease the EHC Plan as appropriate before the age of 25.
Reasons which may impact the young person's EHC Plan
The Local Authority is no longer responsible for the young person - this may include when a young person:
- starts full time employment (excluding apprenticeships)
- begins higher education
- leaves education and doesn't want further learning
- turns 25
- moves out of the borough
The EHC Plan is no longer necessary - this could include the young person no longer needing the support set out in the EHC Plan. This might be because their special educational needs have changed. The local authority will work with the young person and their family to consider whether the outcomes in their EHC Plan have been achieved and whether new outcomes need to be set.
When a young person is nearing the end of their time in education or training, their final annual review will be used to plan for their future and identify the steps to get there. Support and outcomes will be agreed to make sure the young person makes a smooth transition to whatever they will be doing next – for example moving on to higher education, employment, independent living or adult care.
EHC Plans for Young People Turning 25
EHC Plans typically end when the young person turns 25. Support continues until the end of the academic year or the end of their course. The EHC Team will help plan the next steps.
EHC plans and personal budgets and direct payments
Parents and carers and young people can get a budget for education, health, and social care after an assessment. This budget helps buy support services listed in the EHC plan or for assessed needs.
You can request a personal budget during the EHC plan assessment or annual review. This gives more control over the support received. The budget can be used for services like equipment, transport, respite, and community activities, or to buy new support that meets the EHC plan outcomes.
If there is no EHC plan, a personal budget can still be provided for assessed social care or health needs.
A personal budget can be paid to the young person or parent or carer as a direct payment.
Find out more:
Contact the transitions team
If you need advice and support with this area please contact us.
- 020 8753 2080
- youngpeopleintransition@lbhf.gov.uk
- Emergencies outside office hours: 020 8748 8588