Young disabled people have made it clear that they want the same as all young people. For them, the most important things are: 

• have friends to have a good time with
• have a career
• be seen as independent adults 

If planning for good health doesn't happen then these are not possible.

The Four Pillars

The Code of Practice sets out that Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) means preparing for:

Employment, education and training

Exploring different employment, education and training options including:

• when you get older
• becoming employed or self-employed
• gaining help from supported employment agencies 

 

Independent living

This means having choice, control and freedom over:

• your life
• the support you will receive/need
• where you want to live and who with

 

Community inclusion

Community inclusion is about participating in society. This includes:

• having friends and developing supportive, safe relationships
• Participating in, and contributing to, the local community through volunteering/community work
• finding out about social and community activities

 

Being healthy

This is about being as healthy as possible in adult life. Make sure you:

• are taking care of your own individual health needs and care
• know which health professionals/services to work with to ensure you continue to get the health support you need as you get older

 

Aspirations in Buckinghamshire

In Buckinghamshire, we want to promote best practice in ensuring that preparing for adulthood pathways in Education Health Care (EHC) and Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support plans are considered from early years (nursery) onwards. This focus becomes even more important when young people are in Year 9 and above (Code of Practice 9.68).

Our expectations are:

• Planning must be centred around the individual. It must explore the child or young person’s aspirations and abilities, what they want to be able to do when they leave post-16 education or training and the support they need to achieve their ambitions.
• Children and young people with SEND have the same high aspirations, needs and rights as all young people.
• All our children and young people to live a happy and successful life.