choices

Year 9 – planning ahead for transition

What is Transition?

During your last few years at school you should begin to think about your future. Making a smooth change from school to adult life is called 'transition'. Your parents, teachers and others will help you plan for this. You will also take part in meetings (or reviews) to talk about what you would like to do when you leave school. The transition process begins with your review meeting in year 9.

It is important that you start to plan early and are aware of all your choices. The transition process carries on past your 16th birthday until you leave school. Don’t worry, you and your family will have lots of help and support.

Transition planning – know your rights

In 2001 the Government produced a new Special Educational Needs Code of Practice. It tells organisations how they should work together to meet your needs. You also have rights.

You have the right to:

• have your educational needs identified and met
• your own Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• make choices about what you would like to do when you leave school
• advice and support to help you make decisions about your future
• attend meetings about your future and say what you like and dislike at meetings
• regular reviews to be sure your needs are being met
• other support like transport and special equipment

All young people are different and have different needs. You may simply need some extra help from your teachers. This is called 'School Action'.

You may require help from professionals outside of school. This is called 'School Action Plus'.

You may have a 'Statement of Special Educational Needs'

This gives information on:

 • your special educational needs and how they will be met
• the level of monitoring and support you require
• the educational placement you need
• other needs you have and how you will be helped

If you have a Statement of Special Educational Needs

You will attend an important meeting in year 9. This meeting is called a transition 'Annual Review'. At this special meeting you, your Personal Adviser and others will identify your views, wishes and plans for the future. They will write these down in your 'Transition Plan'.

If you do not have a Statement of Special Educational Needs

You and your Personal Adviser will draw up a 'Personal Action Plan' before the end of year 11 which you can keep in your 'Progress File'.

A Personal Adviser is someone who:

• will work with you and your family
• will help you make choices about your future
• will make sure that you have all the help and support you need to move forward

Meetings about your future

Remember: You are the most important person at these meetings

Getting ready

Here are some tips to help you get ready for your meetings:

• PREPARE well ahead of time and ask your parents/carers to prepare for the meetings as well
• DISCUSS your ideas with your parents/carers, Teachers/Personal Adviser and Social Worker
• THINK about what you want to say - your Personal Adviser can help
• TALK with your parents/carers about how you will say it
• WRITE down your ideas before the meeting (or have someone else do it for you)
• YOU might like to have someone at the meeting who you trust and can speak for you.

At the Meetings

Do not be put off by the number of adults. Everyone is there to help you and listen to your ideas. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your meetings:

• say what you think
• ask what support you should have
• find out what choices are open to you
• if you have found out any information yourself take copies with you
• make notes at the meeting or ask someone to do this for you
• if someone else is taking notes ask for a copy
• say if there is anything you do not understand Your Transition/Action plan Your Personal Adviser will work with you, your family and school to be sure you are given all the support listed in your Plan
• lists all the things you need to make a smooth move to adult life after school.
• covers all parts of your life, not just school and is there to help you and your family.
• includes support you need in your leisure time and in the community.
• will be reviewed regularly and changed if your needs change.
• can be used as a basis for your assessment and the support you will need at your placement after school.