Daughter can’t go back to 6th form- what now??

[PacificFish]

My dd is 17and is just finishing her first year of 6the form. But she’s struggling a lot with her mental health and school is making it worse.
They really have been crap.
if we take her out now, what next?

I imagine the focus will be keeping some structure to her daily routine, keeping in touch with friends and getting her better.

OP, do look in to applying for an EHCNA. Have a look at IPSEA and SOSSEN.

EHCPs can fund a lot of the provision mentioned here that wouldn’t otherwise typically be funded such as online provision and home tuition.

When you say 'doesn't like being taught' do you mean 'doesn't like rigid atmosphere of school, (so might do better in a more relaxed college), or doesn't like sitting in a classroom at all?

She’s clearly very academic with those grades. Has something happened tin the last year that has caused her not to want to go to school?

My DN struggled in school and dropped out of Y12 halfway through, due to bullying that her school refused to take seriously. She went on to do a 2 year course in a subject she loved and then onto a degree.

But if your DD does not like to be taught, I don’t know what her options are. At her age I believe she has to be in education or training. You might get an exception for a year due to her MH issues, but I think you need some proper advice.

Counselling, is a good start, maybe it will uncover her reasons behind not wanting to be at school and/or her aversion to being ‘taught’.

You can continue to get child benefit for 6 months if the young person can’t attend because they are unwell. In exceptional circumstances you may get agreement for it to continue longer.

If she wants to study but would rather not be taught school-style, Open University might work for her. It's open access, so no A-levels required - she could either start with an access course or go straight in at level 1.

My dc left the a level course in year 12 this time last year. They are half way through a BTEc and loving it. There are some great BTec to take

I dropped out of my A Levels due to severe mental health problems at the beginning of Year 13. I took the rest of the year out. By the summer I was doing a lot better so I worked a couple of jobs in hospitality. Then in October, I started a Certificate of Higher Education (equivalent to first year of a degree) at Birkbeck university. It’s similar to an access course but you don’t have to be 19 when you enrol on the course. They only asked for Maths and English GCSE. It’s worked well for me: only six hours a week for 30 weeks actually on campus. And I’m off to another uni to start my undergrad in October which was the aim. Downside is obviously you have to pay but you can get a student loan.

Alternatively, some universities will let you onto a foundation year of a degree without any A Levels. I remember Southampton Solent being really helpful when I explained my situation. I think they might have taken me on but the course was full because I applied very late. Another option could be a Level 3 apprenticeship when she’s well enough in an area she’s interested in. They don’t carry UCAS points mostly but a lot of universities are happy to be flexible and accept people who have done apprenticeships, as long as they’re Level 3 or above (I know that the Uni of Derby is one, not sure about others).

I agree with others that the OU might be a good idea. It’s flexible and hopefully it would help her gain her confidence back without pushing her too far out of her comfort zone.

Or, she could take some time out to intensively work on her mental health, maybe with a part time job or volunteering thrown in. And then start an Access course at a local college once she turns 19. It can feel like the end of the world but she’s got so much time to fulfil her potential whatever that means for her. The main thing should be getting back to reasonable health so she can make the most of all the opportunities that are out there waiting for her.

Thank you for sharing this. I’m so glad you managed your situation - it sounds like you are doing so well now.
My child has seen a psychiatrist and is going to start on some meds so let’s see where that gets them.
Thanks for your help

we met a lady yesterday who was a 'young people personal advisor' I think it used to be called Youth Connections, these things change name often! But she went thru with us about what is available e.g. apprentiships, college, etc for DS who is very able school wise but has an EHCP for other issues. I think you might be best to see what your county offers like this as she was very good, spent time to work out and help signpost us in the right direction. This was done at school as DS is at a transition year, but i am sure that you would be able to access similar for you DD.