Transitioning from school (or young adult care) into adult care can be one of the most significant - and challenging - milestones for the autistic young people with complex needs Prior’s Court support, and for their families.
In many cases, young people have been at Prior’s Court for a decade or more so the level of change is significant.
At Prior’s Court, this journey is supported through detailed planning, strong partnerships, and a focus on what truly works for each individual. Two recent transitions - Harry’s move in July 2024 and Archie’s in April 2025 - highlight how thoughtful preparation and collaboration (but always a little bit of luck!) can make all the difference.
Both young people successfully settled into specialist adult residential placements, marking a positive step forward in their journeys beyond life at Prior’s Court. Breakdown of adult social care placements are relatively, and sadly, commonplace, but Harry’s and Archie’s stories so far show success is possible.
Introducing….
Harry came to Prior’s Court School in January 2017 after his previous residential setting closed its residential unit, and then he moved up to our Young Adult Provision in 2019. In his time at Prior’s Court, Harry demonstrated a passion for the outside and being active, and was a real success story of our bakery. He also met when Prior's Court celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019.
After more than seven years at Prior’s Court, Harry moved on to -run Park Road in July 2024
Meanwhile, Archie came to Prior’s Court School in 2013 at the age of seven, so spent more than 12 years with us before he moved to Brook Lane, run by
Archie moved to adult provision from school rather than staying on in our Young Adult Provision.
Starting early: Building the foundation
Planning for both transitions began well in advance. Archie’s local authority started the process when he was around 17-and-a half, with an initial aim for him to leave school in Year 14. While his first placement option didn’t go ahead as expected, the flexibility and commitment of everyone involved meant that a new opportunity was found - one that turned out to be the right fit.
Harry’s transition, completed a year earlier, had already shown how planning well ahead - 18 months to two years in advance of the leaving date in this case - was the optimum timeframe to create a successful move.
This timeframe allowed for constructive conversations when certain options didn’t feel right.
Working together
A key ingredient in both transitions was partnership. Parents played a central role, bringing clear insight into their children’s preferences and needs. Social workers provided essential continuity, supporting families through complex processes. Within Prior’s Court, our Transitions Officer Ania Zielnik helped everyone stay aligned - clarifying priorities such as location, type of provision, and environment.
For Harry, his family valued peer compatibility, and community access to build greater independence in their search for a placement. For Archie, finding a calm setting away from busy urban areas was important, as was open space.
And for both young people, proximity to home was a priority, and there was a parent preference for a residential setting, not a supported living model.
By defining these non-negotiables early, all parties could focus on finding placements that worked for the young person.
Families were encouraged to visit potential settings, meet staff, and observe the environments first-hand.
This hands-on approach ensured that decisions were informed and confident. Although the process was time-consuming, the shared effort helped secure placements that reflected both the families’ hopes and the young people’s individual needs.
Involving the young person
Ensuring Harry and Archie were part of the journey - in ways that worked for them - was central to the process. Transition visits were tailored carefully, with Prior’s Court staff members and staff from the new provision balancing exposure and comfort.
It also involves constructive conversations between parents and Prior’s Court staff. This might be discussing whether sleepover visits at a new provision are a positive as they may not be meaningful.
These creative, person-centred strategies helped the young people feel prepared for change, rather than overwhelmed by it. As Ania noted: “It’s about judging how much to introduce, and when. Each young person has their own pace.”
In the best example of person-centred care, in Harry’s case, two placements were considered, but the final decision came down to where he would be happiest.
Getting creative
Sometimes, a little creativity is also needed. A young person holiday might be built to include a visit to the new placement to increase exposure to the new setting. Or getting the most out of staffing hours to support visits.
Supporting change
Moving from the highly specialist environment of Prior’s Court into adult services naturally brought challenges. Families were understandably anxious about the differences in resources and structure between children’s and adult care.
To help bridge this gap, staff members at Prior’s Court involved in both transitions, stayed closely connected throughout for knowledge transfer. One staff member supported Harry as she attended meetings, joined visits, and worked with the receiving providers to ensure a smooth handover. That consistency gave families confidence and helped new staff understand each young person’s routines, preferences, and communication styles.
And these efforts also came from the new providers who showed active interest in the young person – openness to information sharing, building a core team ready for the young person, and showing genuine interest in understanding the young person.
Positive outcomes
In each case, the transition was considered a success. The placements have so far been sustained, the young people settled well, and both families reported feeling reassured and supported. Importantly, these moves weren’t just about finding a new home - they were about ensuring continued growth, wellbeing, and happiness in adult life for Harry and Archie.
What makes a transition work
Looking back on both journeys, several themes stood out as key to success:
1. Starting early: Giving the time for planning, visits, and reflection.
2. Keeping communication open: Between Prior’s Court, families, and local authorities.
3. Valuing parental insight: Families know their young person best.
4. Being flexible: Plans may need to adapt as circumstances change.
5. Involving the young person: Their comfort and understanding matter most.
6. Maintaining consistency: Familiar staff and clear handovers build trust.
7. Championing collaboration: Every successful transition is a team effort.
Conclusion
Harry and Archie’s stories show what can be achieved when planning is thoughtful, families are empowered, and professionals work together. Transitions from Prior’s Court to adult care are complex, but with time, communication, and collaboration, they can become journeys filled with new opportunities.
Transitions Officer Ania said: “Sometimes it takes persistence - and a bit of luck - but success comes from everyone pulling in the same direction, always keeping the young person at the centre.”
The parent's view - Archie's mum
"Archie has been in new placement for just over six months now, and we are so happy that he has settled so well and is really happy.
"The staff from Prior's Court and his new home planned Archie’s transition and it went so well. Ania was so lovely to us and helped so much with finding the right place for Archie.
"Archie settled in on the first evening and first weekend without any problems, which was amazing, especially as Archie only really ever knew Prior's Court as home.
"He is still cheeky (pinching everyone’s food still!) and is still a bit noisy there sometimes too, but he seems to be enjoying his new home and his new way of life. We love being just down the road to him - we see him every week now .
"Archie has been exploring his new local area, enjoying lovely walks. He has been going swimming, to special SEN play sessions, bowling, cinema, shopping, going on public transport, to discos, to farms, and archery. He is enjoying his new home and fellow housemates.
“We miss Prior's Court and the lovely members of staff we grew to know. Archie was so lucky to have been at Prior's Court for nearly 13 years, and we are forever grateful to you all, but he was ready for the next stage in his life.”
Published: 28th October, 2025
Updated: 29th October, 2025
Author: Dan Whiteway
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