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Original poster

Can you get a child signed off college from GP?

12 replies

BeaAggressiv · 28/02/2022 11:14

My son is not doing well mentally. He's completely overwhelmed and struggling.

Everything came to a head this week when he went missing for a few hours.

We have a meeting with college tomorrow. I was told by someone on here to get him signed off college, so he still has his place and we continue to get CB/CTC (money is a concern as much as I wish it wasn't)

However the Dr said today that they don't sign college students off and we have to approach the college about that.

I feel like they're going to want to put pressure on him to attend/complete work etc... He is 99% sure he doesn't want to return and I told him we can reassess for September (maybe a different course/college/apprenticeship etc)

But I was hoping the Dr would sign him off so we can continue getting his CB/CTC and he wouldn't have to worry about college.

Any suggestions?

OP posts:
Original poster
BeaAggressiv · 28/02/2022 11:55

Anyone work in a college and know if they will give him some uninterrupted time?

OP posts:
Savvysix1984 · 28/02/2022 12:18

Well a Dr would only sign anyone 'off' school/ college/ work if there was a medical need? What has the doctor assessed/ diagnosed about his medical presentation?

Original poster
BeaAggressiv · 28/02/2022 12:28

@Savvysix1984

Well a Dr would only sign anyone 'off' school/ college/ work if there was a medical need? What has the doctor assessed/ diagnosed about his medical presentation?
She didn't take much notice. She said he can self refer for therapy and he's too young for medication.

He's feeling overwhelmed with self harming though. He's ran away twice when he should have been at college. Sat in the rain, not answering his phone.

I've booked him in for private therapy sessions but it's expensive and I'm on a low income so won't be able to do it forever on my own

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Bagelsandbrie · 28/02/2022 12:33

I was the one on your original thread who suggested that to you as my own son (aged 9) is currently medically signed off from school long term with anxiety so I 100% know it’s possible to do that… I suggest you ask another doctor if there is more than one at the practice you’re at.

Spaciet · 28/02/2022 12:34

Well speak to the college tomorrow as planned and see what they say? If he's really not in a place to return then I'd be doubtful even if they would sign him off (I've never heard of it happening but might do) it wouldn't be until setptember or whenever. How old is he?

Pizzadreams · 28/02/2022 12:35

I don’t think a doctor does sign someone off college, but what they can do is provide medical evidence of the students illness if the college require it to hold a place. I’d speak to the college and see what they require. Not ask th gp first.

Footballschmootball · 28/02/2022 12:37

My gp signed me off my uni course for 2 weeks when I had a chest infection so I think they can?

Viviennemary · 28/02/2022 12:38

I think he should be able to get a note from the doctor to say he is unwell and is unable to attend college. Not signed off as such.

ModerationInEverything · 28/02/2022 12:41

GP signed my son off college in similar (but not as bad) circumstances. She could see that college was a massive stressor to him.

FixTheBone · 28/02/2022 12:48

They can't get a Med3 (sick note) as that is for social security and statutory sick pay purposes only.

A GP wouldn't be obliged to provide any kind of medical report to a school or college and could legitimately refuse if they didn't want to take that non-contracted work on.

If they did decide that they were able to provide a report, they are allowed to charge for the work.

Your best bet would be meet with the school and see what it is precisely that they want in order to proceed. They cannot demand a sick-note, because no doctor can be obliged to provide one. If they persist in this guise then point out that self certification for 7 days is allowed and will buy you some time.

If they demand a medical report on their terms - I'd suggest that they agree to pay for it if your GP agrees to provide one and want's to charge, and, if your GP is not willing, that the school pays for and arranges for a medical examination and report.

If your GP is providing a report - get the school to write a list of specific questions they want answering, to provide to the GP in advance, this will save a lot of time and too-ing and fro-ing.....

Viviennemary · 28/02/2022 12:52

You could ask the college for a copy of their policy re sickness of students. They will have one.

Imitatingdory · 28/02/2022 13:10

You can’t force the GP to write a letter stating DS is unable to attend college due to illness, however a letter isn’t needed for the college to authorise the absence.

In certain circumstances, including illness, you can continue to receive CB during a temporary break in education for up to 6 months.

DS isn’t too young for medication, but for children and young people the majority of GPs will not initiate treatment. For example, the NICE guidelines for antidepressants state they should only be prescribed to children and young people following assessment by a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

If this is an ongoing difficulty have you considered applying for an EHCNA?

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