Young People’s Page

Learning how to make decisions that are right for you is an important life skill.

 

What you need and want is very important when making decisions. That doesn’t mean you’ll always get to do exactly what you want. But it does mean you have a right to say what you think and for those views to be taken seriously by the people around you.

We know that people are more likely to listen to what we have to say if we can explain what we want clearly.

Sometimes we know our views and opinions have been heard because something happens as a result. However, at other times we can feel we haven’t been heard as nothing has changed.

This can be frustrating or upsetting. If you feel this way maybe we can help. You can contact us here.

 

I don’t feel listened to, what can I do?

 

Most people feel they’re not listened to some of the time. This can feel frustrating or upsetting. However, it’s important to remember that it’s your right to have your views taken seriously and there may be things you can do to help that happen. Here are some things to think about:

• If you don’t feel you’re being asked for your views on the decisions that affect you try to tell the people making decisions, you want to take part.
• If you’re not sure what you’re being asked about, say so! You have the right for things to be explained in a way you can understand.
• If you need time to think or prepare your thoughts and views say so. Sometimes it can be difficult to say what you think immediately, especially if you’re feeling, nervous, worried or upset.
• If you don’t understand some of the words or instructions, ask for them to be explained or written in a way you can understand.
• If you can’t answer a question or decide something because you need more information or time say so.
• If you like things written down so you can read and think about it later, ask for this.

 

Tips on getting your views listened to:

 

If you have time, try, and organise what you want to say. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Below you can find links to more detailed information on your rights and the law:

 

Some helpful resources:

 

 

• Amy’s Education, Health & Care plan (EHCP) resource.
• This is me – currently being updated.

Here, you can find helpful information and support to use at school or college.

 

Schools and Colleges must still support you if you have special educational needs and/or a disability even if you do not have an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP).

 

SEN Support can include:

 

• Extra help from support staff
• Help with reading, writing or organisation
• Support with mental health or anxiety
• Using technology, for example laptops, assisted software)

 

You can expect Schools and Colleges to:

 

• Listen to you when you tell them what you need
• Find out what support works best for you
• Make a support plan with you
• Check regularly that it is helping
• Schools and Colleges have a duty to do their best to support you. This is called ‘best endeavours’.

 

These resources are here to help you:

 

• Your local offer has information on how your setting should support you, click here to read more about Ordinarily Available Provision – the help every school or college provides to help all young people.

 

• Colleges are expected to publish how they support young people who need extra support. Click here to access the information about colleges and post-16 from Hampshire.

 

• Click here  for an infographic created by Hampshire SENDIASS to explain access arrangements for exams, what does and does not require medical evidence.

 

• IPSEA have created a useful webpage called ‘Help in exams’ explaining how the school/college decides who qualifies or not for access arrangements. Click here to read more.

 

• If you are struggling with ‘Attendance to college and fitness to study’ – the Hampshire Local Offer has a page dedicated to inform you of policies that may apply and support that could be offered. Click here to access.

 

• If you are struggling with accessing your education you may want to speak to someone such as SEN Support, a SENCo, or Pastoral team member about extra support via an Education, Health and Care Plan. The local offer provides information on their website, click here to access.

 

• Click here for a study tips resource are designed to help students develop their planning, prioritising and organisation skills, making it easier to stay engaged and succeed in class.

 

 

Your views are important, click here for a short video from Hampshire SENDIASS of why your thoughts and opinions should be heard.

Click here for an easy to follow short animation to learn about person centred planning and the aims to put children and young people at the centre of planning and decisions that affect you.

Annual Reviews

 

An EHC plan must be checked at least once every year. This is called a review.

• At the review, people look at how well you are doing and if you are reaching your goals. These goals are written in the EHC plan
• The review should focus on what matters most to you and help you to work towards your future goals.
• Click here for a short video from our You Tube channel to share what is an annual review.

Further resources:

 

• Year 9 – Annual Review Guide – This is about a the annual review at school where adults talk with you about what you like and what you want to be when you grow up, so they can help you plan your future.

Deciding what to do after age 16 can feel like a big step. This section looks at some of the education, training, employment and support options available to you after school.

 

What options are there for staying in education post-16?

 

You need to stay in education, training or work-based learning until you are 18, but this does not mean you have to stay at school, you could:

• Attend college
• Start a programme of work-based learning
• Access placements or training that support your health and social care needs
• Get a job alongside education or training
• Take part in voluntary work

These options can be discussed at your annual review meeting. Your transition plan can then be created or updated to help you work towards the option that is right for you.

Schools and colleges should work with you to understand your ambitions and help you achieve the outcomes in your EHC plan.

They should also make sure you can access impartial careers advice and guidance, including information about:

• Colleges and qualifications
• Individualised study programmes, apprenticeships and supported internships
• Applying to university and the support available to you

Here are two short videos we have made about ‘your views’ and ‘annual reviews’.

 

Person Centred Planning – about you, with you

 

Person-centred planning puts you at the centre of decisions about your education and support. It helps you share your views, wishes and feelings so that your voice is heard and your goals are understood.

Your school’s SENDCo or SEND team can talk to you about using a person-centred approach.

The Hampshire Educational Psychology Service (HEP) can also provide information, advice and support with person-centred reviews.

Click here for a short video describing what is a person-centred meeting.

 

What is the Post-16 Provision in Hampshire for young people with SEND?

 

As you get older and develop your own views and goals for the future, you should play an increasing role in decisions about your future.

When you leave Year 11, you will have more say in decisions about your education and support. Your parents or carers can still help you make decisions if you want them to.

If you find it difficult to make some decisions, there are laws to make sure you are supported and that any decisions made for you are in your best interests.

Your right to make decisions is subject to your ability to do so, as set out in the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The purpose of this law is to help you make as many decisions for yourself as possible and to ensure that any decisions made on your behalf are made in your best interests.

 

 

How should I apply to college or worked based learning?

 

If you decide to move on to college or work-based learning, you should apply in the usual way.

If you have an EHC plan, or are being assessed for one, the local authority will discuss suitable post-16 provision with you and your family. This should happen early enough to allow colleges or training providers to put transition arrangements in place.

The college or training provider named in your EHC plan must deliver the support outlined in the plan. If they cannot provide this from their own SEND funding, the local authority must arrange the additional provision.

Your EHC plan should be reviewed at least once a year so that your progress, goals and support needs can be discussed and updated where necessary.

Between the ages of 19 and 25, an EHC plan is not automatically continued. Before any decisions are made about your EHC plan, the local authority will talk with you, your family and your college or training provider about the support you need.

For more information use the drop down on our Young People page and click on the drop down ‘What happens to my EHCP Post-18?’.

 

What are study programmes?

 

From Year 12, schools and colleges offer study programmes instead of the national curriculum. These programmes are designed to help you make progress and achieve the outcomes that are important to you.

A study programme may give you the opportunity to:

• Study at a higher level
• Gain recognised qualifications
• Continue studying English and Maths
• Take part in meaningful work experience and other preparation-for-adulthood activities

Your programme should build on your existing achievements and help you develop new skills and confidence.

Some programmes focus less on qualifications and more on preparing you for employment, independent living, good health and active participation in your community

 

How many hours is a full-time course and are five-day packages of support available?

 

A full-time course typically is approximately 16 hours per week, but many colleges run their full-time programmes over 3-4 days. It is recognised that a small number of young people with an EHC plan will require a five-day package of support. Local authorities should consider the need to provide a full package of support across education, health and social care. Such five-day packages could be offered outside educational settings and could involve different health and care providers for different activities.

 

Could I attend further education or a sixth form college?

 

Many young people with SEND have their needs met in local further education or sixth form colleges, with or without an EHC plan.

Colleges have a legal duty to support students with special educational needs and disabilities. They should have a named member of staff who coordinates SEND support, like a SENDCo in school.

Colleges should:

• Gather information about the support you have received previously
• Talk with you about your ambitions, interests and support needs
• Agree a support plan that helps you work towards greater independence and future goals
• Ensure agreed support is delivered by staff that have the right training and skills.
• Regularly review how well the support is working and make changes where needed

From Year 9 onwards, post-16 providers should work with you and your school to help you explore different options, understand available courses and prepare for your next step.

 

How will I travel to my education setting?

 

There is no automatic legal right to free transport to school or college after the age of 16.

However, local authorities must publish information about the transport support available to young people of sixth form age.

You can find information about transport assistance, including:

• The 16-19 Bursary Fund
• Travel support schemes
• Privilege seats
• Independent Travel Training

These options may help you travel to your education or training setting more independently.

Click here to read more about this and explore the options to assist the young person’s travel.

 

Further links and resources from Hampshire County Council:

 

Hampshire Futures: Online support helping you with your future planning

What are my young person’s options after they finish school?

Where can my young person go to college?

What other options are there when you turn 16?

Preparing for adulthood

 

The plan can continue to 25yrs old if the person remains in education and training, including:

• College courses
• Supported Internships
• Apprenticeships (below level 4)
• Placements/training that support health and social care needs

 

The plan ceases if the young person:

 

• Takes up full-time paid employment (excluding apprenticeships)
• Starts a level 4 course or higher (e.g. level 4 apprenticeship or university degree)
• Leaves education and no longer wants to engage in further learning
• Moves permanently outside of England
• No longer needs the level of support in an EHCP
• Has achieved their EHCP outcomes, and it is not necessary for new outcomes to be set.

 

When ceasing an EHCP, the local authority must:

 

• Inform the young person/parent that they are considering ceasing the EHCP
• Consult with the young person/parent and the principal of the college named in the EHCP
• Issue a ‘Cease to Maintain notice’, including information about appeal rights
• Maintain the EHCP until the right of appeal has expired or until any appeal that is lodged, has ended.

The Local Authority should not stop a plan just because a young person has finished their course at school or college.

These services, organisations and guides can help you learn new skills, find work, and plan your future:

 

• Access to Work – is help from the government that gives money and support to disabled people so they can do their job more easily.
  

 

• Hampshire Futures – Hampshire’s online learning environment to provide careers information, advice and activities to help you with your future planning, and improve your employability skills.

 

• Connect to Work – helps Hampshire residents find and stay in sustainable employment through tailored support, training, and ongoing in‑work assistance.

 

• Easy to read guide on supported internships – a programme that helps young people with disabilities learn job skills and get ready for working in a real job.

 

• Employment Guide – This guide helps young people with SEND learn about different ways to get ready for a job and find work as they become adults.

 

• Post 16 Checklist – This checklist helps make sure young people with SEND get the right support to prepare for adult life after age 16.

 

• SEND Local Offer – Growing up 16-25 – This website can help you to find out about services available to  young people in Hampshire and give you advice and information to help you to plan for your future.

 

• Transport Post 16 – IPSEA explains that if you’re aged 16–19, your local council should have a plan to help you get to school or college, but they don’t have to provide free transport, so what support you get can vary depending on your situation.

 

• Independent Travel Training – Want to learn how to travel more independently? Hampshire County Council’s Supported Travel Training programme can help you build confidence and learn new travel skills in a safe and supported way.

Once you turn 18, there are lots of different paths you can choose:

 

• Ongoing study at college

 

• Supported Internships for people aged 16-24yrs old who have an EHCP

 

• Apprenticeships you can train while you work and gain a qualification.

 

• Volunteering: Royal Voluntary Service, The Red Cross, Young Minds, Youth Employment – Volunteering

 

• You could get a job and start working with an employer

 

You may want to get help when making a decision

 

• Speak to a careers advisor from the National Careers Service

 

• Careers advice and post16 learning options from Disability Rights UK

 

• Disabled Student’s telephone/email helpline from Disability Rights UK

 

• The Parent Perspective a careers podcast series discussing apprenticeships

 

Getting ready for work

 

There are programmes and courses to help you feel more confident.

 

• Safe New Futures a 6 month course aimed at people experiencing barriers related to mental health

 

• Skills for work a variety of short courses to build confidence and to learn skills to get a job (interviewing, CV writing)

 

• Passport to Success online learning in ‘soft skills’ for work like teamwork, time management and communication

 

• Support to Work provides 1:1 advice, training and support for disabled people who are looking for work.

 

Support while you are working

 

If you get a job there is support still available.

 

• Support to work Hampshire helps people of all abilities to succeed in their careers and thrive in workplaces

 

• NCS Job Support for people with SEND, including specific services for a range of different needs

 

• Access to Work provides funding for adaptive equipment and SEND support to enable you to work

 

• Benefits and financial support if you are disabled or have a mental health condition.

Sometimes, things can feel really hard. You might feel worried, anxious, or upset, and that’s okay. You are not alone, and there are people who care and want to help you.

 

• Solent Mind
• Hampshire CAMHS
• KOOTH
• No Limits
• Bullying from Young Minds
• Bullying from The Anti Bullying Alliance

Phoebe is one of our inspiring young representatives helping shape SENDIASS to better support young people like you. Her journey living with a cleft palate and being hard of hearing hasn’t been easy, but her strength and determination have made her a powerful advocate for inclusion and understanding. 💬 “I didn’t learn to talk until primary school, but now I help others find their voice.” Click below to read Phoebe’s full story – from early surgeries to receiving her BAHA hearing device – and how she’s using her experience to make a difference. 👉 Read Phoebe’s Journey