What is changing this year
From Year 9, your SEND Support or EHC plan review must include preparing for adulthood. Health services start planning your move to adult care. Social care can take referrals for adult support from age 14. This is the right time to start building independence skills.
What to do this year
- Talk about adulthood in your Year 9 SEND Support or EHC plan annual review – it must include goals for learning, work, health and independence.
- If you have a learning disability join your GP learning disability register and book your annual health check from 14.
- Ask at hospital appointments about plans to move to adult services and who your named worker is.
- If you may need adult social care later, ask about a referral from 14 so support continues at 18.
- Start practicing life skills – open a bank account and learn how to manage money.
Education and planning
Year 9 is when your future starts to take shape. If you are at school you will need to choose which subjects you want to study. The choices will be different for each school so speak to your class teacher for more information.
If you are not working at the level needed for GCSEs then ask the school about other options that might be available. This may include entry-level qualifications, functional skills qualifications or BTEC qualifications.
Your SEND Support or EHC plan annual review now includes preparing for adulthood. This is your space to talk about learning, work, independence and friendships – and turn it into clear goals.
Find more information on our EHC plans and preparing for adulthood page.
Health and wellbeing
Turning 14 brings new ways to look after your health. If you have a learning disability, you can have a free Annual Health Checks at your GP. Hospitals also begin transition planning now. If you use hospital services, ask who your named worker is and what the steps look like.
Find more information on Moving between children’s and adults healthcare.
If you are under 16 you can take decisions over what treatments you do and do not have – if you can fully understand what the options are and what a treatment involves. This means you can also say no to a treatment if it does not feel right for you and ask about other options.
Social care and support
Is the support you get still relevant to you now you are a teenager? If you qualify for support, you might want to think about changing how you receive it. You can ask for direct payments to pay for a Personal Assistant who can help you access social and leisure activities.
See Personal Budgets and Direct Payments for more information.
If you might need support as an adult, planning starts now. From 14, we can take a referral to the Transition to Adult Social Care Team. Starting early means your support can continue smoothly at 18.
See moving to adult social care services for more information.
Money and benefits
Independence shows up in everyday skills. Opening a bank account before 18 is easier and gives you time to practice.
Find more information on Banking and Managing your finances.
Transport and travel
Getting around on your own is a big step. Independent Travel Training can build the skills you need to use buses or trains safely.
Housing and future living
It might feel early but picturing where and how you want to live as an adult helps everyone plan. Start a simple wish‑list – who you might live with, what support you might need, and the area you like. Find more information on our Becoming more independent page.