Education - Local Offer
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Post-16 education
There are a number of options for the young person to consider for after the school year that they turn 16 (year 11). Preparation and planning for after the young person is 16 should start well before they reach this age.
A young person can legally leave school on the last Friday in June at the end of the school year in which they turn 16 (normally the end of year 11).
Further education settings must make reasonable adjustments for all students with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
They also have a duty to use their best endeavours to secure the special educational provision that the young person needs. This duty applies to further education colleges, sixth form colleges and 16-19 academies.
Its purpose is to ensure that providers give the right support to their students with SEN. They must fulfil this duty for students with SEN whether or not the students have EHC plans. This duty applies in respect of students with SEN up to age 25 in further education.
Supported internship
A supported internship is a type of study programme that helps support and prepare a young person aged 16 to 24 with an EHCP for employment.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships can be available to young people over 16 with or without EHC plans, and they can lead to qualifications from GCSE level up to degree or diploma level.
Apprenticeships provide on the job training and a qualification with an employer alongside some study at college. Apprentices get paid a salary which includes paid holidays and pay while they are at college. They provide a mixture of practical (on the job) learning with formal learning in FE College or with private training companies.
Apprenticeship training can take between 1 and 5 years to complete, depending on its level, the type of job and the skills the young person already has.
Apprenticeship providers receive funding for all young people, and the amount is increased for a young person with an EHC plan.
Universities
Young people may progress to a higher education course (degree level) at university when they are 18 if they achieve the required qualifications.
An EHC plan automatically ends once a young person moves into higher education. However, extra support is still available. Universities have duties under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled students. This can include support such as flexible seminar times, support for study skills or access to specialist computer software.
A planned transition to Higher Education should be as smooth as possible. Once the young person’s place has been confirmed at a Higher Education Institution, if the young person asks them to, the local authority must pass a copy of their EHC plan to the relevant person in that institution at the earliest opportunity.
Students with higher needs may qualify for a Disabled Students’ Allowance to fund specific help such as note takers, sign language interpreters or computer equipment.
See the Preparation for Adulthood section for more advice.
Search the Local Offer directory.
Last updated 20 February 2024