The Local Education Authority together with the Connexions Service begin preparing for children’s transition in school at year nine, the year when a child turns 14.

For children with a "Statement of Educational Needs" (SEN) a Transitions Plan is drawn up at the first educational review after the child’s 14th birthday. The Local Education Authority and Connexions are jointly responsible for ensuring delivery of the ‘Transitions Plan’.  Children’s Social Care Workers involved with the young person can also be involved so that any parallel assessment can be made.

The Transition Plan must include:

• what a young person needs to become more independent and confident
• what special health needs require on-going support
• what the young person and their family actually want
• ongoing needs of young person within current schooling

The views of young people and their parents are central to this process. If there are people involved in your child’s care you can ask the school to invite them to this meeting. The school will also invite agencies involved in your child’s care, or ask them for reports if they are unable to attend.

It is important that young people have a chance to share their concerns and ideas. Some young people prefer to talk to someone they know and trust, such as a teacher, a social worker or an advocacy service. Young people will be assisted to contribute to their meeting in a way they are comfortable with.

All of this is done in a very person centred way. Some young people and their families choose to use a separate informal way of planning outside the formal 14+ process and use Person Centred Planning or a circle of support to help them.