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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Experience of SEN/emotional support at college

10 replies

BestofLuck · 30/08/2023 07:59

My DD passed her GCSEs (some just passed, some much better) and we’re incredibly proud of her as she’s had an immensely tough time at school, namely anxiety linked to OCD. She’s undergoing an autism assessment at the mo.

She’s decided almost certainly against sixth form (for reference, I know already some people’s view that someone in her position may not be successful at A level - for info, however, the school are very supportive and have offered her a mix of A levels in her strongest/preferred subject and a BTec/extended certificate) which is absolutely fine by us - we want her to choose her next step on the basis it’s something she will enjoy and is interested in.

She’s highlighted a course at a local college in a very niche subject area but which she is interested in which is great. I’ve encouraged her to think objectively about both options as she has a tendency to avoid discussing something she finds stressful and she’s admitted she prefers the idea of college because, frankly, even the thought of returning to her school is stressing her out and she’d like a fresh start, which I can fully understand.

We’re going to a late enrolment tomorrow and my question really is does anyone have experience of support for their child at a HE college or can offer advice about what to ask for information wise? Obviously a different level of independence is required but all I can fathom from the college website is support would be in place for students with EHCP. I’m concerned she will be overwhelmed by such a different setting and struggle if the tutors don’t “understand” her difficulties as she puts in and there’s no means for us to inform them of her needs. The sixth form have already noted her as needing a support plan for her in case she does go there and would essentially treat her as an SEN student, which is really positive but, again, I understand her reluctance to go with this option.

Gosh, sorry, lots of info there, any advice appreciated.

OP posts:
Hopeforb · 30/08/2023 08:20

Hi, normally support for SEN students especially with EHCP is very good in FE college set ups as they tend to have many students with social and emotional needs. Since your daughter is showing interest to move, I would go and talk to college's SEN department and since her school is supportive, college can have more information from school to support her needs.

Doremisofarsogood · 30/08/2023 08:26

I worked with SEN students in FE for years and the set up was mostly geared towards those with an EHCP mostly due to funding. However if any SEN is declared at application/ enrollment, they will draw up a support plan for her which all tutors will be aware of. It may be that she needs to refer herself for support rather than it being agreed prior to enrollment as it would be with an EHCP.
Most colleges have student Welfare support as well as well as pastoral support like a Personal Tutor, so she would be able to access additional support here too.
My advice would be for you/her to speak with the college SEN team and get it all documented so that a plan can be put in place. Also keep talking to them; situations change and your daughter's needs may change and develop through her time at college. Good luck!

TeenDivided · 30/08/2023 09:06

My DD has just left (agricultural) college after 2 years.

She joined with no EHCP but having been out of school for y11 due to MH issues.

I have to say that when I asked for any adjustments it seemed very difficult and I was being asked 'does she have an EHCP?'. As soon as we applied for an assessment and got an instant 'yes we will assess' their whole attitude changed and she had very good support over the 2 years. I was in regular contact with Learning Support throughout that time.

Hopeforb · 30/08/2023 09:26

@TeenDivided did you do self referral for EHCP? My DD has secured a place in college for BTEC - Level 2 and SEN dept interviewed to know about needs but I am still concerned if adequate support will be available with EHCP. Do children with SEN have legal rights to continue in school to do BTEc level 3 diploma even if they do not meet grade criteria but have soical and emotional needs?

TeenDivided · 30/08/2023 09:32

Yes we self referred. The SEN board here was very helpful. I wrote a letter which showed A) That she had SEN, and that B) college couldn't support under normal offer. For us both were very easy to show given how many times they had said 'no we can't do that' to simple requests.

I personally wouldn't have thought they would have legal right to do L3 course if they don't meet the criteria, but I don't know. If she did a L2 course first that would give time to settle in to college and way of working, and then there is probably a criteria of something like Merit on the L2 to progress to L3 or something.

Hopeforb · 30/08/2023 09:47

Thank you @TeenDivided

BestofLuck · 30/08/2023 13:58

Thanks all. This is good food for thought. Congratulations to your DD @TeenDivided . We had to support ours a lot through Yr 11 so that is a great achievement for yours considering she had a bad time in Yr 11.

OP posts:
TeenDivided · 30/08/2023 14:34

BestofLuck · 30/08/2023 13:58

Thanks all. This is good food for thought. Congratulations to your DD @TeenDivided . We had to support ours a lot through Yr 11 so that is a great achievement for yours considering she had a bad time in Yr 11.

It was 'only' Level 1 courses, but considering her anxieties she did well.
The first course was portfolio based, pass or fail only. The course in the second year was written assignments and practical assessments and she got a Merit. Smile

BestofLuck · 30/08/2023 16:23

@TeenDivided excellent. The ability for some teens to even complete a course cannot be underestimated. Hope it Will give her a good boost of confidence in her capabilities.

OP posts:
TeenDivided · 30/08/2023 16:25

I think it has. She had been doing a few odd days work experience this month that no way could she have done a year ago.

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