K – O
Legal aid
Helps pay for legal advice and representation in court where someone is unable to meet the cost themselves. It is likely to be granted where the application is on behalf of someone under 16 and requiring protection or support.
Local area coordinator
Usually someone within social services who supports people at risk of isolation to find and engage with local services and community programmes. They can be an excellent source of information and signposting to relevant services, but it isn’t their role to provide intensive support.
Local authority
This is often called the council. It’s the organisation that provides essential public services in your area, including education, social services and housing. People elect councillors to manage local services, and every council makes its own decisions about how it spends money to do this. That’s why services can be different in different areas.
Mandatory reconsideration
The first step in challenging a decision by the DWP (Department of Work and Pensions). It involves asking them to look at their decision again.
Modern apprenticeship
Provides practical, work-based training for people who have left school, and the chance to work towards a qualification.
National levels
Qualifications, usually gained within school, that prepare pupils for higher levels of education or training.
National wellbeing indicators
Non-advanced education
Usually a course that leads to a qualification below HNC level, or no formal qualification.
Opportunities for All
The Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting all young people to take part in education, work or training from the age of 16. This commitment extends into someone’s 20s where they have additional support needs or have been unemployed for more than 9 months.
Outcome
A goal or end result that an individual wants to achieve.


Top tips
Check you're up to date with any benefit changes. Speak to a specialist benefit adviser to check you're making the best choices for…
- Child Trust Funds
- Where can we get support for Transition Planning during Covid-19?
- Corseford College, Scotland’s first college for young people with complex needs
- Who is responsible for transition planning?
- Workshop handouts