6:47. The Transition Plan should build on the conclusions reached and targets set at previous annual reviews, including the contributions of teachers responsible for careers education and guidance.  It should focus on strengths as well as weaknesses and cover all aspects of the young person's development, allocating clear responsibility for different aspects of development to specific agencies and professionals.  LEAs should advise schools on the proper balance of the transition programme components and ensure that all relevant information is available, together with advice and support as required.  Social services departments, the health services and the careers service should be actively involved in the plan.

Involvement of social services departments

6:48. The first annual review after a child's 14th birthday will have a special significance because of the LEA's duties under sections 5 and 6 of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986.  Sections 5 and 6 of that Act require LEAs to seek information from social services departments as to whether a child with a statement under Part III of the Education Act 1993 is disabled and may require services from the local authority when leaving school.  The LEA must inform the appropriate and designated officer of the relevant social services department of the date of the child's first annual review after his or her 14th birthday and must similarly inform the social services department (if it is agreed that the child in question is disabled) between eight and 12 months before the expected school leaving date.  LEAs may also inform social services departments at any time after the particular annual review required under section 5 of the Disabled Persons Act if it is considered that circumstances have changed and the young person concerned may now be considered to be disabled.

6:49. LEAs and, so far as is reasonable, schools should familiarise themselves with the following Acts, which may directly affect the future provision available to a young person with special educational needs:

The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970

The Employment and Training Act 1973 as amended by the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Act 1993

The Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986

The Children Act 1989

The National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990

The Further and Higher Education Act 1992

6:50. Under the Children Act 1989 and the NHS and Community Care Act 1990, social services departments are required to arrange a multi-disciplinary assessment and provide care plans for children and adults with significant special needs - which may include the provision of further education facilities.