Growing up should have been a time of ambition and excitement for Kaiden, but too often young people with severe learning disabilities are left to navigate the transition from children’s to adult’s services alone. Lina, and other parents in her position, have described it as a rushed and unsupported journey that leaves families feeling confused and isolated. Some young people are left in limbo with unmet heath or care needs due to a lack of flexibility in eligibility for support from adult services before their 18th birthday. Help us to demand change for young people with severe learning disabilities, and their families, during their transition to adulthood. Sign our open letter to Government, calling for the implementation of a national, cross-departmental plan for transition that is co-produced with families, to #EndTheCliffEdge that is experienced by many families. ✍️ Sign our open letter today: https://bit.ly/3LkeStg (fb)

Our response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review. ⬇️ Today’s Curriculum Review shows positive signs that the experiences of children and young people with SEND, and the data around their needs, are being taken seriously. We’re pleased to see recommendations for more guidance to help teachers adapt their lessons for children with SEND, and recognition that extra support is needed in early years education and during transitions between primary and secondary school. We know from working with thousands of children that these transition points can be really tough, and that the right support can make all the difference in preventing crisis later on. It’s also great to see positive changes to post-16 education options, which should open up more opportunities for young people with SEND. This Review is just one part of a much bigger picture, and it needs to work hand-in-hand with other changes, like the upcoming SEND reform plans, to make real change happen. As these plans progress, we’ll keep urging the Government to listen to young people themselves and make sure they have a genuine say in shaping changes. (fb)