Education options for young people with SEND - from age 18
Adult Education Budget (AEB) Learning Support helps young people with SEND aged 19–25 who do not have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. Colleges and training providers can use it to give extra help so students can take part in learning and achieve their goals. This might include support in class or specialist help. It's a good idea to remember, though, that the support is only for needs that affect learning, not for everyday difficulties outside the course.
Find out more
Will I have to pay for my learning?
Some young people worry about costs when they turn 19 and want to stay in education. Your education or training may be fully funded through the Adult Education Budget, but sometimes you may need to pay something towards your course depending on your own situation. If you need a high level of support, you will usually have an EHC plan funded by Norfolk County Council instead. You can talk to your SENCo, a specialist careers adviser, or your school for free, confidential and impartial advice. Have a look at the SEN funding for post-16 education page to find out more information.
What if I have an Education, Health and Care plan? (EHCP)
If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you may stay in education for longer. You can go to a further education (FE) college and do full-time courses. These are usually funded, so you do not have to pay course fees.
If you have an EHCP and need health or social care support, plans are usually made before you turn 18. This includes moving from Children’s Services to Adult Services. You can find out more about EHCPs or contact the EHCP team at Norfolk County Council for advice.
Where to find courses?
To see full-time courses and SEND support options, just hit this link to the Mainstream and specialist SEND courses in further education – from age 16 section.
Norfolk Adult Learning and Skills offers a range of courses you might enjoy. Some courses are free, and others may have a cost. You can visit the Learner Information section to find out more about help with fees.
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Where can I get help?
Norfolk SENDIASS
Norfolk SENDIASS can provide free, confidential and impartial advice for children and young people with SEND, plus parents and carers, about any worries or concerns relating to 18+ education options you may have.
Further information and support
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Higher education - support for young people with SEND
For general information about higher education, just click this link to the Help You Choose Higher Education section.
For specific higher education information for young people with SEND, hit this link to the Higher education for people with SEND section of the Local Offer.
Web pages that you might find particularly useful
Disability Support pages from the UEA provide a good example of the kind of help and information you can expect from universities you are thinking about.
Universities and colleges have teams in place to make sure students are able to get the right support for their individual needs. This guide from UCAS will help you get the information you need to make an informed decision.
It's also the law for universities to make reasonable adjustments to help disabled students. These might include flexible timetables, help with study skills, or specialist equipment and software. Some students can also get Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). This can help pay for support like note takers, sign language interpreters, or computer equipment.
Other information in the Education section
