There is “unclear accountability” and coordination between schools and other bodies involved in moving children into adult health and social care, a new report has found. The transition between the ages 16 and 18 involves other mental health, education, work and housing services. Schools can be involved by contributing to annual education, health and care plan (EHCP) reviews, helping the young person plan for their future and sharing information about their communication needs and independent abilities. But a new expert panel report published by the Health and Social Care committee found many young people “experience an abrupt cut-off rather than a planned, individualised transition”, with one interviewee describing it like “falling off a cliff edge”. It found that there is “unclear accountability” across integrated care boards, councils, schools, primary care and provider services which “can leave responsibility for coordinating and completing transitions poorly defined”. The independent UK Law Commission, which reviews and recommends legal reform, said that planning to transfer children with long-term health conditions and complex needs to adult social care services should begin by year 9. The Department for Education has delayed its response to the Law Commission until the end of 2026. But the report also found there was an absence of national data showing how many young people begin the transition in year 9, making it difficult to identify gaps, track progress and hold services to account. ‘Significant risk of harm’ “Where a transition is ineffective, the risk of harm to the young person is significant”, the report said, which can worsen if children have complex physical and mental health needs. Jane Dacre, professor of medical education at University College London and chair of the independent expert panel said the report shows young people with the most complex needs “are routinely let down by poor coordination and planning from the numerous services they rely on”. “It was shocking to see how continuity crumbles and vulnerable young people are forced to battle for the support they need,” Dacre said. Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said school leaders regularly see the impact of families facing “fragmented support, poor coordination between agencies and uncertainty about who is responsible for ensuring a smooth transition”. Whiteman said: “NAHT has consistently called for earlier planning, stronger joint working between education, health and social care, clearer accountability across services, and better information sharing to support young people and their families. “Schools play an important role in preparing young people for adulthood, but health and care services must also be properly resourced to meet their responsibilities.” The health and social committee will hold a public evidence session based on the fundings of the report later in the year, and will publish its own report with recommendations to the government.