Colleges have similar responsibilities to schools to provide reasonable support to young people with special educational needs (SEND), including when they do not have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP). This could include access to a teaching assistant, specialist teachers, one to one support, therapy input, independence skills and adaptations to resources or technology to make them more accessible.

If a young person arrives at college and is assessed to need more support than the college could usually provide, the college can request an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment, up until the young person achieves their learning objectives, leaves education or training or turns 25 years old (whichever happens first).

SEND: 19-25 year olds entitlement to EHC plans is guidance provided by the government about the support which must be available to young adults with SEND.

If the young person has an EHCP, this will be with them until they achieve their identified learning objectives, leave education or training permanently or turn 25 years old (whichever happens first). The support outlined in their plan must be fulfilled by their education provider, such as a further education college. Annual reviews will continue to take place to ensure the support is appropriate, effective and outcomes are being achieved.

The Preparing for Adulthood website outlines how children with an EHCP should be practically supported to develop skills for adulthood, right from when they are in the early years.