Preparing for the future

Steps to help you plan for adult life if you have additional needs. Find out what to think about at each stage from Year 9 to age 25.

Introduction

As you move from children’s to adult services, the way support works changes. You gain more choice and control. Services and the law also set new rules at different ages. Knowing what’s changing and why it matters helps you make decisions that fit your life.

Choose your school year or age to see what to do now. Jump to a topic to read a short explainer with a clear action.

information

Keep your key information in the ‘My Important Stuff‘ document, so you can share it at meetings and reviews.

Part of
Preparing for the future: Step by step

Decisions that need to be made at each age

1Things to consider

Including education, health, social care, transport and travel, finance and benefits

  1. At year 9 (age 13 to 14)
  2. At year 10 (age 14 to 15)
  3. At year 11 (age 15 to 16)
  4. At years 12 and 13 (age 17 to 19)
  5. For young adults (age 19 to 25)

    Last updated: February 11, 2026

    Next review due: August 11, 2026

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