Education for 20-25 years

Information about the education options for young people aged 20-25 with special educational needs.

Looking for a specialist support service?

Specialist Support Service Post 16 Offer & Equipment for Post-16 Students in FE Colleges with a sensory impairment
Support for physical/medical needs, which includes occuptional therapy, physiotherapy and nursing.
Communication and social interaction, which includes support for autism and speech and language.
Learning support, for learning difficulties, dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties.
Support for social emotional and mental health
Support for families and settings, which includes early support, minority ethnic achievement service, inclusion team and much more.

Use the filters within the directories to search by age, district, areas served, and provider type, such as a commissioned or private service.

Please note: Staffordshire Connects is a free and impartial service. Information contained in the SEND Local Offer does not represent a recommendation or endorsement of a service or provider. For more information please see our disclaimer. Providers are responsibile for updating their own information. Please let us know if you would like to suggest a listing and we will contact the provider for you.

I'm looking for a college, what are my options?

Our post 16 options page looks at the different options available. Also see our preparing for adulthood pages for more information.

Our sixth form and further education colleges directory below, holds information on further education colleges and specialist colleges.

Information on access to higher education.

Please note: providers are responsible for updating their own information. Please let us know if you would like to suggest a school or setting and we will contact them.

What special educational needs (SEN) support can be put in place?

See our information page on special educational needs (SEN) support in colleges for more information on:

Adapting the curriculum and/or environment in schools
What support can be provided in mainstream schools
What you can do if you disagree with the support provided

The SEND Code of Practice: 0-25 years provides statutory guidance on the special educational needs and disability (SEND) system for children and young people aged from 0-25 years.

Gov.uk also provide the following guides:

Do I need an education health and care plan to access support?

Most young people with special educational needs and disabilities will have their needs met within local mainstream colleges.

Education health and care needs assessments

Some young people may need more help than would normally be provided in a setting. The education health and care needs assessment will look in detail at the young person's needs and the support that they require.

Education health and care plans

Education health and care plans are for young people whose special educational needs require more help than would normally be provided in a college.

See more information about education health and care needs assessment and plans including:

How do I apply for an Education Health and Care Needs Assessment?

Parents, carers and young people can request an assessment by:

visiting the Staffordshire EHC Hub. Use the "Request a Needs Assessment" button and follow the online guidance. More detailed Hub guidance for parents and carers requesting a needs assessment.

If you do not wish to use the EHC Hub:

complete the request form and email to sendreferrals@staffordshire.gov.uk. The EHC Hub will manage your application but we will post all correspondence. A PDF and Word version of the request form is available.

Full information about requesting a Needs Assessment, support available and Staffordshire's EHC Hub.

Practitioners can request an assessment by:

registering on the EHC Hub and adding a new request. More information.

What is the SEND Code of Practice and where can I find it?

Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0-25 Years

The SEND Code of Practice: 0-25 years provides statutory guidance on the special educational needs and disability (SEND) system for children and young people aged from 0-25 years.

Gov.uk also provide the following guides:

It explains the duties of local authorities, health bodies, schools and colleges to provide for those with special educational needs under part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014.

SENDIASS Staffordshire Family Partnership can provide you with information, advice, and support around special educational needs and disability matters, including special educational needs law. Visit their website for more information.