Preparing for Adulthood (PfA)
This week, I wanted to share the following from Hannah, our PfA Lead:
Understanding the Local Offer: A Guide
听
At 91首发 School, we recognise that it can be difficult to find the information you need to make decisions about your child鈥檚 journey, and in particular, how to prepare for adulthood.听 The Local Offer is where you can find out more about what is available to you in your area and can help you to make informed choices.
What is the Local Offer?
The Local Offer is a legal requirement under the Children and Families Act 2014. Every local authority in England must publish clear, accessible information about the services and support available for children and young people (aged 0鈥25) with SEN or disabilities. This includes education, health, and social care provision, both locally and sometimes beyond your area if relevant.
Think of it as a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about:
- How your child鈥檚 needs can be identified and assessed.
- What support is available in schools, colleges, and early years settings.
- Health services, therapies, and social care options.
- Travel arrangements, leisure activities, and childcare.
- Preparing for adulthood, including training, employment, and independent living.
Why is it important?
The Local Offer helps you:
- Find services quickly without searching multiple websites.
- Understand your rights and what support your child is entitled to.
- Plan ahead for transitions, like moving from primary to secondary school or preparing for adulthood.
- Have a voice 鈥 local authorities must involve parents and young people in developing and reviewing the Local Offer. Your feedback shapes future services.
What should it include?
By law, the Local Offer must cover:
- Education provision (mainstream and special schools, SEN support).
- Health and social care services.
- How to request an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.
- Post-16 opportunities: apprenticeships, supported internships.
- Support for transitions and independent living.
- How to make complaints or appeal decisions.
Check out our website for links to your Local Authority鈥檚 Offer.
Preparing for Adulthood Resources – 91首发 School
You can also contact Eileen Robinson for support and signposting.
e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk
SAVE THE DATE:听 21.1.25听 9.30 鈥 11am
Our next Parent Carer Forum will have a focus on Social Care and planning for the future.听 We鈥檒l be discussing:
- What can social care offer?
- Why might it be helpful to have a Social Worker?
- What is Early Help?
- What does 鈥楥hild in Need鈥 mean?
- What happens when an EHCP ends?
We鈥檒l be running it as a hybrid, so you can join us in person or online.听 Hope to see you there!
Feedback from those who joined the last session was positive and we are delighted the hybrid offer has enabled more of you to join.
听路
Pop In & Say Hello at the SEND Support Hub!
We鈥檙e so excited to be at the SEND Support Hub come along for a friendly chat and find out what support is available for children and young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in Newcastle.
Galafield Family Hub, NE5 1LZ
Wednesday 26th November 2025
10am 鈥 1pm (drop in anytime!)
Come meet our amazing local providers, grab a cuppa , ask your questions, and enjoy free soft play for the little ones!
Don鈥檛 miss this relaxed, welcoming event full of information, support, and smiles!