Post-16 transition

Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

Moving from school to post-16 education and training is a big step for young people.

Welsh Government has made changes to help young people with ALN during this transition.

Most young people with ALN go to FE colleges or training programmes.

There are a wide range of courses and support services available to meet the needs of learners.

Schools and local authorities follow the ALN Code to decide the best path for each learner.

Wherever possible, young people should have access to local post-16 education and training.

The college will manage the IDP for most learners.

If a young person has an IDP in school, planning for their next steps starts in Year 9.

Meetings called PCRs help focus on what the young person wants to achieve.

Careers Wales and post-16 providers can join these meetings.

The IDP process and the young person’s rights will be explained. This includes their right to agree or disagree with decisions.

It’s important to involve the young person in decisions as much as possible to ensure:

their thoughts and feelings are considered
they get the right support for a smooth transition to post-16 education and training

If a young person cannot make decisions about their IDP, parents and carers can act on their behalf.

You can find help and support for planning your child's transition at: