What do we mean by transitions?

The move from being a child to becoming an adult is a significant change for all young people. It involves preparing for more independence and making plans for the future. This is what we mean by transitions, the change when:

• young people move from school to sixth form college or into work or further training
• from children’s hospital services to adults hospital services
• from Children and Families Newcastle to Adult Social Care services

For families and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), this can be a particularly anxious and challenging time which needs more careful preparation and planning than for other young people of a similar age. With the right support at the right time, a smooth transition can be achieved.