Transition is an on-going process which takes place across the final years of school and into the early years of whatever comes next.  This might be further education, vocational training, life skills work, independent living or social opportunities.  Planning for transition should include education, employment, housing and support needs, community and leisure activities and health needs.

The purpose of this planning is to ensure continuity of care, and to make sure that the young person has access to all the information and opportunities that they are entitled to, or want, at a time that is meaningful to them.  It should take account of the personal goals and aspirations of the young person, and the young person and their family (or carers) should be held at the centre of planning for the future.

The transition period is shown through research to be a stressful and difficult time, and planning should also aim to reduce anxieties and reassure everyone involved that there is a clear plan for them all to work from.

In Devon there is a Transitions Protocol which describes who should do what, and when, in order to make sure that the plans are developed appropriately.