Post-16 options for child with no GCSE’s

[NellieBlue]

I’m at a loss as to how to help my DS. He’s currently in Y11, is autistic and has an EHCP. It’s extremely unlikely he will finish school with any GCSEs. He’s dropped English GCSE and is working around entry level 3 I think. He’s still doing maths and single science but is predicted a grade 2 (but thought to be capable of a 4/5. Of course that’s only if he sits the exam which he says he will not do.

He does not wish to go to college but school has said it’s compulsory now until he’s 18 and his only option would be a foundation course. I’ve looked at the foundation courses and they just look like more of the same, which he hates. I can’t see him engaging.

Does anyone know of any other options that might be available for a child completely disengaged from education with no interests?

What about the princes trust they offer lots of options s post 16.. my son has asd and had a awful time with his mental health in year 11 and 12, he then had a full year out and didn't do anything education wise and tried college again and it worked well and he now has A levels. He was so burnt out with education at the end of school.

He's not working now unfortunately as really struggles with how fast outside life can be and eat sleep work repeat type living does affect his mental health.

We had similar in year 10. We pulled them out of school and home schooled. We called docs until we got into cahms and got medication for the mental health.

We spent the time doing gentle education. Nothing formal we just explored things they may enjoy and focused on things like leaving the house and improving mental health.

They took no GCSEs in year 11.

The world did not end. The home ed support knew we were focusing on mental health and just helped us find foundation courses.

They are now doing a foundation course which is GCSE maths and English and a subject they love.

They hate the maths and English and struggle but know they have no other options so they are pushing through with support.

This is only possible as mental health is under control thanks to medication and ND specific therapy.

I'm aware we are very lucky to have gotten into the support system which isn't always possible but I wanted you to know there is another way and addressing the mental health will help the rest follow.

The foundation course is heavily ND children. This is so common they are set up for support better than schools. It has made a massive massive difference

Thanks for sharing @LifeIsALemon this is so encouraging. Unluckily for me my DD is also heading down the same road! We've got a private psychiatrist on board to get on top of the MH issues, so hopefully it's not too late to salvage something from her education.

Yeah, I feel like we won’t get anywhere with education until we’ve addressed his MH problems but I’m not sure school are currently on the same page.

He’s taking medication but it’s not helping, dose was increased and he’s gotten worse so dose was put down again and promethazine added which has had no effect at all. He’s got another review in Dec, I think we will look at switching antidepressant

Your council should have someone like Post 16 career advisor, they do exactly this - help to choose Post 16 option for children with EHCP. Phone your council and ask. No way the pathway course at college is the only option, there should be something else in the area. And in principle he can go somewhere out of the area too.