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Your Life, Your Voice, Your Rights at 16
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Your legal rights at 16

At mySENVoice we believe that "Nothing about you, without you" should be the standard.

As you hit age 16, the legal power over your education and future, shifts from your parents and teachers directly to you. 

The Year 9 Turning Point

From Year 9 (age 13–14), everything shifts. Your EHCP annual reviews must legally change gear. They’re no longer just about grades, they now have to focus on the future you want.

At mySENVoice, we believe your voice is your superpower. This is your moment to shape your future, speak up, and feel fully equipped to navigate the SEND system with confidence.

Year 9 is the first point where the law requires schools to look ahead to your adult life. If anyone says “let’s wait until you’re 16,” they’re ignoring their legal duty. Your future begins at 13, so your voice needs to be heard long before you turn 16.

Use your voice at 13 so you are heard at 16.

Download your SEN rights card, to have in your wallet, phone or pocket, so you're ready for when the law says you're the boss at 16.
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0 - 25 : Your legal roadmap

  • Age 0 – 13: The Foundation Years

    • Legal Status: you are recognized in law as a child.

    • The Power: your parents or carers hold the legal rights and make the decisions about your EHCP and education.

    • The Goal: to identify your needs early and get the right support in place so you can learn alongside your friends.

  • Age 13 – 14 (Year 9): The Starting Gun

    • Legal Status: you are still legally a child, but a statutory duty is triggered.

    • The Change: this is the Preparing for Adulthood milestone, your Annual Review must legally pivot to focus on your future.

    • The Four Pathways: your transition plan must now cover employment (jobs and careers), independent living (where you will live), community inclusion (friends and relationships) and health (managing your own medical needs)

  • Age 16 – 18 (Year 11 onwards): You’re in the Driver's Seat

    • Legal Status: you are now officially a young person.

    • The Shift: the legal right to make decisions about your EHCP moves from your parents to you, you are now the primary decision-maker.

    • The Parental Role: your parents can still support you and attend meetings, but the Council and school must consult you and listen to your views first.

  • Age 18 – 25: Adult Rights & Protection

    • Legal Status: you are an Adult.

    • The Protection: under Section 37(1) of the Act, your EHCP can stay active until you are 25 as long as you stay in some form of education or training.

    • The Care Act 2014: to avoid the cliff edge of support ending, you should have a transition assessment, this checks if you qualify for adult social care so your support doesn't vanish when school or college ends.

Press release: Radical expansion in rights for children with SEND

The Individual Support Plan (ISP) was officially introduced in the government’s ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ White Paper, which was laid in Parliament on Monday, 23 February 2026. This reform is in early stages, so there will be a phased rollout.

What does it mean to you? If you have an EHCP, nothing, the EHCP remains your primary legal document, things will only change after 2030, and only if you hit a natural transition point.

Press release 23rd February 2026