Poor Ds is stuffed isn't he?

[Mainlyfair]

He's already spent a year NEET as he didn't get on with A levels (undiagnosed dyslexia). Now he's had an accident and spent weeks off college have started afresh this year. They want him to defer but as he's 18 now, he won't be eligible for the second year will he?

He's fucked isn't he?

I know what an EHCP is, just not how to go about applying for one. DS was eligible for SEN support at school but turned it down as he didn't want to be different to everyone else. We encouraged him to accept support but it was his choice, which we respected. He did well off his own back to catch up but he has low self esteem due to it.

Yeah, I was definitely having a moment in reaction to realising the impact of funding for 16-19 if he defers again, and letting it out on here rather than to him. The issue is he's feeling like that, like he's totally messed his life up. I am gutted for him, as last year was really tough and this was meant to be his fresh start. I think we're both allowed to feel sad about it, especially as the future is currently uncertain. He liked having the security and routine of mon-fri busy-ness and being back with his peers.

Could he get a job, defer until next year and whilst he's working think about what he wants to do? There are grants/loans for education, some get written off if you decide to go on to university (just read my local FE college's website), if he decides to go back he can sort out his EHCP as well (then he doesn't have to pay).

It might help him not feel quite so useless and give him the routine he wants. He may well find a company that would be willing to pay for his course next year as well. He can still see his mates in the evenings and weekends. Also won't they all be going to university or work soon anyway?

Many people don't do the traditional way of education. I know it feels like the end of the world now but it really isn't.