Transition

Transition planning is the process during which a young person with special needs prepares to move into adulthood. Early preparation and careful planning are essential to make certain that the transition process is as smooth as possible for the young person. Hesley Group uses Person Centred Transition Planning to ensure that decisions made are in the best interests of the individual and the most effective and appropriate solutions are achieved. Our experts start the planning process early and work with the student, their family and all other parties.

The young person is placed at the very centre of the plan, it looks at what they want, what their needs and aspirations are now, and what they will be in the future. Wherever possible the young person needs to be involved and understand the changes the Transition Plan will make to their life. This person centred approach ensures that the young person receives the support that they need as an individual rather than fitting into pre-existing services. This makes certain that they get the support that is right for them.

The Transition Plan takes into account important areas in the person’s present and future life, such as further education, health, housing, work, hobbies and appropriate levels of care. The plan considers how these needs can be met when they reach the age of 16 and beyond. This involves gathering information from the young person, their family, school teachers and local authority representatives.

If the young person has a statement of Special Educational Needs they will have already had annual reviews. When they reach Year 9, or their 14th birthday, the annual review will mark the start of transition planning. This should happen automatically. Subsequent annual reviews will be called transition reviews and should look at a range of areas including education, care, health, communication and behaviour amongst other things. During these reviews the plan will evolve in-line with the young person’s changing needs and aspirations.

Hesley Group is committed to making transition easier for all concerned during what can be a stressful and complex process, whether from children’s to adult services or from one placement to another.


Click the thumbnail to open our Transition Planning Guide.

Download a printable version here