I know that colleagues in the Department for Education are committed to preparing vulnerable children for adult life, and recognise the importance of the transition into adulthood.
As you rightly point out, a range of organisations must work together to identify how to support children in need. The key statutory guidance 'Working Together to Safeguard Children' describes how agencies should jointly agree on, and deliver, joined-up support. The guidance is also clear that known key transition times for a child should be planned for in advance, including where they are likely to transition between child and adult services.
Children in need are more likely than their peers not to be in education, employment or training. That is why Education Ministers are determined to ensure disadvantaged students are properly supported in their post-16 education. £7 billion has been invested in the last academic year to ensure there is a place in training or education for every 16 to 19 year old.
Education is critical to the long-term outcomes of children in need, and getting the best possible education is a vital part of preparing for adulthood. However, as you mention, there are some other areas that disproportionately affect children in need. I am encouraged that work is being done across Government to improve services, specifically mental health, child sexual exploitation and homelessness services. For example, an additional £1.4 billion is being invested nationally to transform children and young people's mental health services. The Government's mandate to NHS England includes an explicit expectation that the NHS, working with schools and children's services, will support and safeguard vulnerable children through a joined-up approach to addressing their emotional, mental and physical health needs.
