This is a post I intend to update. As and when I remember additional things I’ve had to do post-16 for Jude, I’ll let you know!
Your SEND child hits 16 and has two, maybe 3 years left of school at best. You think you have ages to go – believe me, you DON’T. Now is the time to start preparing, planning and getting documentation complete. Oh the paperwork! If your local authority is anything like ours…what seems like a simple idea will have at least a dozen twists and turns along the way before completion.
Here are just a few things to do once you’ve SEND child turns 16.
Deputyship. Deputyship. DEPUTYSHIP.
I can’t express strongly enough how important it is to get this sorted before they turn 18. And while two years seems enough time, you have to factor in some of the ridiculous points to receiving deputyship. This includes such things as your paperwork sitting in court for up to six months. This is to allow enough time for anyone to contest your application.
Your young person may be able to decide how to manage their life, in which case hooray! If not…read on…
Deputyship is like Power of Attorney. There are two separate applications you must make. One is for Property and financial affairs, and the other personal welfare.
I’d recommend doing the applications one at a time as a) they’re expensive and b) the terminology and paperwork is mindbogglingly incomprehensible. If anyone is struggling with this, I am more than happy to offer help. But please remember I am not anyone with legal status, merely a mother who has been through it already.
This is where you need to start – Applying for deputyship.
If your child reaches 18 and you don’t have deputyship for finances, you will no longer be able to look after their money. This can equal quite the nightmare.
Similarly, you may not be able to make decisions for their health and wellbeing. So be warned and get it done asap.
Once you have deputyship, the real fun begins with many banks not even having deputyship account options. Honestly, it’s so much fun lol. I’ll write another post on banking soon!
Choosing next steps
There are two main paths to consider – Supported living or continued education (could be residential or a day college).
Supported Living
Your child may currently love school. But you sense they’ll be completely done with the education process by the time they reach 18. Perhaps supported living is the best place to look?
In this case:
Start with an assessment: Your local council’s Adult Social Care team (in the UK) will carry out a needs assessment. This identifies the level of support your child requires and whether they qualify for funded housing. It may seem ridiculous the way they assess but just go with it. You can ask to see their reports and make additional comments.
Explore housing types: Supported living can range from independent flats with visiting support to shared houses with 24/7 care. Providers can guide you toward suitable properties or help adapt your current home.
Remember YOU are the parent and your wants for your child still hold strong.
They have to go on the basis of what is best for the individual. If you don’t agree with their decision, fight it.
If the discussion ends in stalemate, the LA will inevitably threaten…or politely suggest…they will need to work towards ‘Best interest’. But defining this, in my opinion, is very subjective.
When the local authority talks about making decisions in your child’s best interest, it should mean putting their needs, safety, and future first. This is not meant to be about what’s easiest for adults or services, it’s about what truly benefits your child.
Factors they must consider include:
- The young person’s wishes and opinions: Their voice matters, and decisions should reflect what they want and can understand
- Health and safety: Keeping them safe while helping them grow and gain independence
- Education and development: Supporting learning, skills, and personal growth
- Social and emotional well-being: Maintaining friendships, family connections, and community involvement
- Future outcomes: Planning for adulthood, independence, and a good quality of life
- Rights and fairness: Ensuring legal rights are respected and avoiding discrimination
In short, “best interest” is about making choices that support your child’s overall well-being and help them thrive as they move into adulthood.
If you end up at a ‘best interest’ situation, don’t be afraid to get a lawyer involved. This will take a little pressure off you and will make sure best interest is exactly what they’re doing. Don’t be afraid to argue what you think is best. The LA will have to justify their decision so ask questions and stick to your ideal.
Remember to lean on your support network. Involve family, support workers, and healthcare professionals you trust. Their input can make the process clearer and ensure your child’s needs are fully considered.
Continued Education
My first choice for Jude was to go to a residential college.
For him, he enjoys the routine of getting up for school and returning home for the evening. However, this wasn’t possible as the only residential college near us said no. And other options were too many hours away from home.
But don’t let this put you off. It can be a fantastic way of continuing education before moving into supported living at about 25 years of age.
I’ve already added this link to my post on tips for parents of post-16s. But it’s fantastic so here it is again – specialist SEND colleges in the UK.
Feel free to speak to the colleges direct. They may or may not allow you to visit prior to submitting an application. But remember that ultimately the application must come to them from your social worker. Don’t make the same mistake I did, and submit it yourself! It would have been helpful if I’d had a social worker guiding me at this point but that’s not how we rolled back then.
The application will be submitted by the social worker. You will likely need to join a meeting with the college who will try to get a broader picture of your young person. They may even be a second ‘interview’ meeting.
If you’re rejected, remember it’s not a negative on your young person. They may not suit the cohort currently at the college. Or they may not feel they’re able to adequately meet their needs.
Day colleges are usually mainstream colleges that offer suitable courses for SEND. If you think a day provision is best, take a look at your local colleges and suggest your preferences to your social worker.
I will leave this post here as it’s becoming horribly long.
I think my next post will be on things to do prior to your young person moving into supported living. Adult services expect the individual to basically be self-sufficient, and in our case this means me having to ‘adult’ for two people! It’s fun. Honestly. Yay.
Need a few more motivation tips for ensuring you are supported adequately with your post-16 dramas? I wrote a short list 🙂
Love you all!
