Sefton Council

A guide to help young people with special educational needs (SEND) get ready for adulthood has been published following feedback from young people, parents and carers across Sefton.

The ‘Preparing for Adulthood Guide’ was produced by staff from Sefton Council, Buddy Up and Sefton Carers Centre in partnership with young people and the Sefton Parent Carer Forum.

Aimed at young people with SEND who are approaching their latter school years, it gives information on the preparing-for-adulthood process, what to expect, what they should be considering at each stage and who to contact for support and information.

Parents and carers can also use the guide to find more information about the future options for young people in their care.

Topics covered in the guide include further education, training and employment, independent living, healthy lifestyle choices and how to participate in our communities.

Tanya Wilcock, Head of Communities for Sefton Council, said: “This guide has been co-produced and co-designed with young people and their families and will be a valuable resource for them.

“I’d like to thank our partners across the social care, voluntary, education and health sectors for their contributions. Thanks also to the team for coordinating and supporting all the work that went into its production.”

Andrew Jennings, from Sefton Council’s Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Team, said: “This guide has been produced to help children and young people with SEND enjoy meaningful, independent and fulfilling lives and give them useful information and resources to help them achieve as much as they possibly can.

“We’re really proud of it and we hope that children and young people across Sefton find it helpful as they transition in to adulthood.”

The guide can be accessed and downloaded at Sefton’s Local Offer website . It will also be made available to schools and colleges.

Stephen Evans, Preparing for Adulthood Manager for Sefton Council’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Inclusion Service, said: “The Sefton ‘Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Guide’ provides key information on the four key PfA themes – Community, Health, Independent Living and Employment.

“Developed in conjunction with Sefton Parent Carer Forum, the guide will help young people and their families prepare for the transition to adulthood.

“It gives information on the preparing-for-adulthood process, what to expect, what young people should be considering at each stage and who to contact for support and information.”

Emma Lambert, Sefton CVS Buddy Up Coordinator, said: “Sefton’s ‘Preparing for Adulthood Guide’ is a useful tool to help young people and their families think about what they want their future to look like and find out what support is available to get them there.

“Having the right Information and being made aware of their options is the key to these young people reaching their full potential.”