Help with post-16 college issues

[Chaosatcollege]

I'm looking for a support group for problems with a post-16 college.

My 16 y.o. started college this month after a lifetime of home ed. He's autistic and has an EHCP with full time 1:1 support.

He was bullied by some students on his course (one threatened to kidnap & sexually assault him; another threatened to rape and murder him). The college suggested he tried a different course and he agreed to test it out for a day or two. He didn't like the new course and decided he'd like to stay on the first course. College then told us they had given his place to someone else so he can't go back to the original course.

He now basically has no educational provision. What can we do?

Say to the college that they need to reinstate the original course?
Talk to the SENCO or college equivalent.

If not possible then see if he can do another course this year, and then return to original course next year which will have new people in it then.

With and EHCP he can stay in education until 25 so you have time.

Thanks.

How is he doing now @Chaosatcollege? Is this the only college within travelling distance from you?

Thanks for asking. We've asked for a meeting with the college as it doesn't seem reasonable that he has to be chucked out because of other students' bullying.

There's another couple of local colleges but I don't think they do the same kind of courses. It's tough as he is very much a square peg who doesn't fit into the conventional round hole.

I’m so sorry that he’s struggling. I’d ask about his options in the SN Teens section. There are usually some very knowledgeable MNers in there

OP, complain.
The college can’t just take the additional EHCP funding and not provide for him.
Email the principal and the chair of governors.

Also, go talk to other colleges but do it fast.

Also contact the local authority who issued the EHCP. Ask for an emergency annual review.

I would also contact IPSEA for advice.

You need an early review. On their website, IPSEA has a model letter.

The college should deal with the behaviour of other students regardless of what course DS is on.

When DS changed course, was it discussed that he could return to the first course if he didn’t like the new course? Many colleges wouldn’t allow that.

However, it is worth knowing that the naming of the institution in section I means the college must admit, but that isn’t the same as saying they must admit to a specific course. Sometimes F is worded in a way where in practice certain subject(s) have to be taught, but this isn’t always (or even the majority of the time) the case.

The LA is still responsible for any provision detailed, specified and quantified in F of the EHCP.

@roaringdragonThanks, that's helpful.

I think it was a case of crossed wires about the course change. It was clear from the emails we sent to them at the time that we understood it to be a trial. They said something like "would you like to try changing course?" but actually meant "moving course". DS was not physically in college at that point so no-one in the college spoke to him about it, only going through DH.