Southend Preparing for Adulthood Team
The Southend Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Team supports young people:
- in school year 9 and above who have;
- an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
They also work with:
- the families of those children and young people
- education settings including colleges
The team:
- makes sure pupils are preparing for adulthood from age 13
- supports young people to secure suitable post 16 provision
- encourages young people to take part in education, employment and training
- promotes opportunities for supported internships, traineeships and apprenticeships
- work with adult and community services to increase the number of young people with SEND in paid employment
- ensures that appropriate complex needs provision is available in Southend for those in year 9 and above
Being supported towards greater independence and employability can be life-transforming for children and young people with SEND. This support needs to:
- start early
- should centre around the child or young person's aspirations, interests and needs
All professionals working with young people should:
- share those high aspirations
- be clear on the support they can give
Transition to Adult Care Services
The team work with children's and adult services, to make sure the transition to adult care and support:
- is well planned,
- is integrated with the annual reviews of EHCPs
- reflects special educational and health provision already in place to help the young person prepare for adulthood