Post 16 to 19 Options

You can leave school at the end of the school year you turn 16. But legally, all young people must be in education or training until 18. 

You should start planning your next step as early as possible and think about what you are most interested in.

If you are 16-18 years old, live in Essex and are not in education, employment or training, an Employability and Skills Adviser can help you with your next step. 

If you are not in education, get support from:-Education, Employment and Training Support

If you have an EHC plan

 

From Year 9 onwards each annual review meeting will have a section where everyone involved in your plan and of course, you, will be able to talk about preparing for adulthood and independent living. A SEND Career advisor will write to you to introduce themselves and offer advice on options. 

 

From year 10, the advisor will meet with you again to explore options and paths you might take.  Post-16 options should be discussed as early as possible in your reviews as part of your transition planning. Some college courses may only be part-time but Essex local authority (SEND Operations Team) should consider whether full time education will be more appropriate to meet your needs.

 

For example after leaving school you could go to college, apply for an apprenticeship, or look for a job. The SEND Career Advisor will ask you and others who know you well what you like and what you are good at. For more information on Your Annual Reviews and the SEND Career Advice Service