The planning you do with your child while they're at school might be focused on their post school transition into work, training or further education.

We all have life goals that might take years and multiple steps to reach, and your child is no different. It's very rare for anyone to find the perfect home or get their dream job straight out of school.

Changing plans

It's important to keep talking to your child about their interests and what they'd like to do. As they get more exposed to the world outside school, they might find new things that they’d like to pursue - and it's okay for them to change their mind, and their plans.

They might find a new person at work, for example, who could become their mentor, and open up a whole new career path for them that they might have never thought of. Similarly, they might expand their social circle and find new opportunities through friends that they wouldn’t have considered otherwise. Or, they might study something new that interests them and prompts them to change courses, or do further study.

Your child may decide they want to increase their independence - for example, by moving out of home - and so might change their plans to allow this to happen by concentrating on improving their financial skills and opening a bank account.

Career goals

Getting work experience and building up their skills, confidence and working history is a big part of finding paid employment for any young person.

Your child might continue to study, find a work experience placement or internship, or volunteer for several years after school to prepare to enter their career of choice.

Getting more experience can build their confidence, and by trying new things they might discover new strengths or find new interests. As they progress at work, or change jobs, your child’s goals might change.

Planning and the NDIS

The role of families and carers is often essential in supporting people with disability to realise their goals, so it is important to include them in discussions about supports.

If your child is an NDIS participant, they'll be involved in planning with the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency).

These planning meetings are an opportunity to think about post-school options and goals.

Further information about this planning process can be accessed at the NDIS website.