The majority of learners leave Heart of the Forest School at the end of KS5, Year 14 however, in some cases it may also be appropriate for pupils to transition at the end of KS4, Year 11. For a large group of our learners the next stage in their education will be provided by the local college, Gloucestershire College. If it is felt Gloucestershire College is not suitable and they cannot meet the needs of an individual then other options are explored. This process is further supported through the adult social care, transitions team who are involved with supporting pupils and their families prior to the young person’s 18th Birthday. An allocated member of the transitions team attend EHCP reviews and get to know the young person, finding out what is most important to them, determining whether they can be connected to universal services before then moving onto assessment to identify their eligible needs. If the young person has eligible needs the transitions team may move to support planning appropriate and sustainable formal services in place.

Outcomes are individual and personalised to meet the needs of the young person in conjunction with their hopes for the future, supported by parents or carers. Options may include further education, specialist colleges, supported internships or social care support.

An annual transition event hosted at Heart of the Forest School combines a range of providers from both education and social care. This is an opportunity for young people and their families to find out more information about the future options available to them.