The lead-up to adulthood

Planning and Annual Reviews: The Lead-up to Adulthood

What is Preparing for Adulthood?

Preparing for adulthood (PfA) means getting ready for life after school. In Oxfordshire, this starts in Year 9 (age 13–14) or earlier. You, your family, and your school will start discussing your future and what you want your adult life to look like.

This includes:

• Education or work: What you want to study or do for a job
• Independent living: Where and how you might live
• Community and friendships: How you’ll be part of your community
• Health and wellbeing: How to stay healthy and happy

These are called the four PfA outcomes, and schools must include them in your plan if you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

What Happens in Year 9?

If you have an EHCP, your Annual Review in Year 9 is a big moment. This meeting is about you — your hopes, dreams, and goals. You’ll talk about:

• What you enjoy
• What you want to do in the future
• What support you might need

This is called person-centred planning and it means the plan is built around your life, not just services.

Even if you don’t have an EHCP, your school should still help you plan for the future. Ask about careers advice or transition support.

What Changes at Age 16?

When you turn 16:

• You start making decisions about your education and care
• You may need to switch from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Your school should help you build independence skills, like travelling on your own

You can still involve your parents or carers as they’re there to support you.

What Happens at Age 18?

Turning 18 means becoming a legal adult. Planning helps make this a smooth change.

If you need ongoing support:

• The council will do a transition assessment to plan adult social care
• Children’s services will continue until adult services are ready — so there’s no gap in support
• Health services will also prepare you to move from children’s to adult care (like switching from a paediatrician to a GP)

Helpful Resources

• Preparing for Adulthood (NDTi) Guides and planning tools for young people, families, and professionals
• Oxfordshire Family Support Network – PfA Checklists Step-by-step guides for each age leading up to 18
• SENDIASS Oxfordshire Offers free, impartial advice for young people and families

Need Help?

If you’re unsure about anything, ask your teacher, SENCO, or a trusted adult. You can also speak with an advocate, who helps you express your thoughts and concerns (see Section 8: Advocacy and Advice).

This is your journey. Everyone around you is here to help you build the future you want.