Preparing for employment

[TeenDivided]

Trying to get my thoughts straight here, we have an EHCP review in Dec.
DD is in 'y13' doing a Level 1 course & Eng & maths resits.

I don't think she'll have the bandwidth to sit both GCSEs this summer as some exams are on adjacent days. Last summer she resat Eng (got a 3) but not maths.

She also has no bandwidth for anything outside college as she finds college tiring & stressful, so isn't learning to drive nor doing any volunteering / work experience both of which would be helpful for employability.

She doesn't want to stay at college for a 3rd year to do the level 2 course.

I'm thinking, what if she dropped Eng Lang completely and instead used the time / bandwidth to learn to drive or do volunteering / part time work? Would that be allowed? What issues would that bring that I need to think about?

If DD has a 3 in GCSE English the college may not allow DD to not work towards a level 2 English qualification (even if she doesn’t actually sit it) due to the funding rules. The conditions of funding state “Students with SEND and who have achieved a GCSE grade 3, grade D or equivalent qualification in maths and/or English should be capable of improving their GCSE grade with the right teaching and support.”

What about continuing as you are this year then looking at a supported internship, supported apprenticeship or if DD isn’t ready for either of those a bespoke package including work experience/volunteering for next year?

The EHCP can remain in place until 25, or 26 in some circumstances, so there’s plenty of time to focus on preparing for employment and adulthood and still giving DD every opportunity to achieve a level 2 qualification in E&M which will make adult life easier.

@Thatsnotmycar What about continuing as you are this year then looking at a supported internship, supported apprenticeship or if DD isn’t ready for either of those a bespoke package including work experience/volunteering for next year?

Those are really good ideas. My problem is I don't know what kind of thing is possible so don't know what to ask for.

Yes, it's the funding angle that bothers me. We tried for her to resit this term, but she was too overwhelmed and sadly couldn't go into to the exams. I just can't see her being able to sit an English exam one day, followed by maths the next (one week) and with only 1 day's gap for a second week. (Last year she was allowed to sit the English but not the maths.)

(The government doesn't seem to realise that for some getting to a 3 is a fantastic achievement.)

Supported internships and supported apprenticeships are possible. With an EHCP the minimum requirements for E&M for apprenticeships can be reduced. Your LA will have information about supported internships/apprenticeships on their website. Some of the local colleges may too.

Anything is possible with a bespoke package, they are tailored to the individual. For DD, you could look at supported work experience &/or volunteering as well as therapies such as OT and SALT that can help with preparation for adulthood and MH therapies. If DD is able to cope with it level 2 functional skills maths (&/or English if DD doesn’t get the elusive 4 this academic year) could be included. I know of 2 families who even secured driving lessons.

mycar, is that driving lessons in section F of the EHCP?

Yes! I’m not quite sure how they managed it. Although I know a couple of independent SS and some supported internships include them so perhaps that’s how.

It is something I have stored at the back of my mind for DS1&3 when they are older if it’s suitable although the thought of DS1 ever driving scares me along with cooking lessons with a chef that another MN’er has for her DS who has EOTAS for DS1.

Wow.....i'm impressed with driving lessons! Bearing in mind how much of a fight it can be to get the basics specified and quantified. Ds is not close to driving (if he ever does) but interesting thoughts on what some can secure.

Punx Separately to the 2 who secured driving lessons I know a third in a third LA who had an agricultural tractor course funded.