Preparing for adulthood conference

Preparing for adulthood

At The Children's Trust School, we understand that preparing for adulthood can feel overwhelming and uncertain for both young people and their families. That's why we’re here to support and guide you every step of the way.

Our programme focuses on planning for the future and taking timely steps to ensure our students are well-prepared for the journey into adulthood.

Starting with an annual review from Year 9

We believe that early preparation is key. Our journey towards adulthood begins with talks as part of the annual review when the young person reaches Year 9. During these essential discussions, we collaborate with families and relevant professionals, and advocate for the young person to develop a holistic understanding of their needs, aspirations, and goals. 

Continuing the learning journey with EHCP

At each stage of the journey, we work together with the local authority and families to ensure that the Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCP) for each young person reflect their strengths, needs, and requirements. Our multidisciplinary team of dedicated professionals remains committed to enabling students to effectively work towards and achieve the specific learning outcomes as outlined in their EHCPs.

Transition planning throughout the academic years

Transition planning is a continuous process at The Children's Trust School. We understand that each stage of a student's academic journey brings new challenges and opportunities. To ensure a seamless transition into adulthood, we offer comprehensive guidance and support, which includes our renowned Transition Fairs.

Transition Fairs: Empowering young people and families

Our Transition Fairs are designed to empower young people and their families by providing them with the resources, information, and networks they need for a successful transition into adulthood. The most recent fair, held in June 2023, focused on Enabling Adulthood, equipping attendees with the knowledge and tools to navigate the next steps in their journey.

Guidance timeline: Year 9 to Year 13, and beyond

To bring clarity and structure to the transition process, we have developed a comprehensive guidance timeline, 'Transitioning into adult life'. This timeline outlines the key milestones and stages from Year 9 through to Year 13, ultimately culminating in the final stage of turning 19. We believe that by providing a clear roadmap, we can alleviate uncertainty and ensure a smooth transition into adulthood.

Download our Transitioning into adult life booklet

We also work closely with Surrey County Council, and their Surrey local offer. Find out more about their ‘Preparing for Adulthood’ guide

Support in finding the right adult placement

We understand that finding the correct adult placement that supports and meets the needs of our young people is crucial. Our Business Development and Commissioning Team works closely with external agencies responsible for identifying adult placements and families to ensure a smooth transition to adult services.

We are committed to assisting families in this process and providing ongoing support to ensure a successful transition into adult placements, including facilitating assessments, visits, and shadow shifts.