Families and young people surveyed for their thoughts on life after education

We have jointly launched a national survey today (Friday 8 December) for young people with SEND, their parents, carers and their families. The findings will be shared with the government and other organisations with the long-term ambition of improving the way that young people are supported into adulthood.

Currently, the transition for young people with SEND into adulthood is often described as a difficult and confusing process – made more challenging by the disparities between each council and district having distinct funding and opportunities available, which families and carers must navigate.

Lynette Barrett, Chief Executive at National Star, said: ‘We want to understand the challenges young people and their families are facing once they leave education. The only way we can improve the quality of life for these young people and their families is to work together. The young people have so much to contribute to society, if they have the right support.’

Lucy Croxton, Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager at Together Trust said: ‘In our discussions with young people, families and professionals, a constant theme is that support which is in place for children often breaks down around the same time they are leaving education.

‘We know that this period is crucial, and yet little is known about the views of young people and their families throughout this period of significant change. We want to change this.”

The survey for young people is designed to be accessible, allowing responses in both written and verbal formats, and can be found at: https://www.videoask.com/f76uwhste

Additionally, the two charities are launching a survey for parents, carers and families to capture their views on the process of their child leaving education, which can be found at https://togethertrust.typeform.com/aftereducation.

Findings from both surveys will be shared with the government to help inform new SEND standards.