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  • Young people (aged 16-25)
  1. Get information and support
  2. Free legal guides and template letters
  3. Young people (aged 16-25)

Young people (aged 16-25)

The Children and Families Act 2014 extended the statutory framework of support to young people with SEN up to the age of 25.

The same law applies for young people as for children, so you can use the IPSEA website to find out information about:

  • SEN support at school or college
  • EHC needs assessments and EHC plans
  • Transport to school or college

Who is a young person?

A young person is someone who is over compulsory school age but under 25.

  • You stop being of compulsory school age and become a young person on the last Friday in June in the academic year that you turn 16
  • You stop being a young person when you turn 25

Click on the links below to learn more; if you can’t find the answer to your question, you can book an appointment to speak with us.

Are you a young person?

Are you a young person?

As a young person under the Children and Families Act 2014, you have more say about your education and your parents have less say Read more

Published: 13th April, 2018

Updated: 4th July, 2024

Author: Emma Brock

Are you the parent or carer of a young person?

Are you the parent or carer of a young person?

Under the Children and Families Act 2014, certain rights and decisions transfer from parents (or carers) to young people Read more

Published: 12th April, 2018

Updated: 24th June, 2024

Author: Emma Brock

Mental capacity and decision making

Mental capacity and decision making

Mental capacity is assessed in relation to the particular decision which needs to be made Read more

Published: 11th April, 2018

Updated: 25th June, 2024

Author: Emma Brock

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Most read

  • Asking for an EHC needs assessment

    Asking for an EHC needs assessment

  • Template letters

    Template letters

    Download and make changes to our template letters to fit your situation

  • Template letter 1: making a request for an EHC needs assessment

    Template letter 1: making a request for an EHC needs assessment

  • EHC needs assessments

    EHC needs assessments

    An EHC needs assessment is an assessment of a child or young person’s education, health and care needs

  • Advice Line

    Advice Line

    Book an appointment for free and independent next-step legal information, advice and support on any educational issue that is a result of a child or young person’s SEND

  • What happens in an EHC needs assessment

    What happens in an EHC needs assessment

  • Choosing a school/college with an EHC plan

    Choosing a school/college with an EHC plan

  • The annual review process

    The annual review process

  • Contact us

    Contact us

  • Appealing to the SEND Tribunal

    Appealing to the SEND Tribunal

    The SEND Tribunal is an independent national tribunal which hears parents’ and young people’s appeals against LA decisions about the special educational needs of children and young people

How you can help IPSEA

How you can help IPSEA

Have you found the information on our website helpful today? If so, please consider donating! At IPSEA, we rely on your donations and fundraising efforts to help keep our vital services running. Read more

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Published: 19th March, 2014

Updated: 12th May, 2026

Author:

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IPSEA is registered charity number 327691
Limited company 02198066

Registered office: IPSEA, 2A Stansted Courtyard, Parsonage Road, Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford, CM22 6PU

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