What options are there for my DS?

[Shesnotelectric]

My DS is now 18 years old.
He has Autism fairly independent he can go out by himself, get from A to B (albeit indirectly) has road sense certain awareness of danger etc but in some cases he is 18 mentally and in other circumstances 12 yrs mentally.
He has now started in a mainstream college but he hates it!
I would normally just say to leave and work instead but he isnt mature enough yet to do this so what other options are there for him?
I was thinking something like a day centre with supported employment/apprenticeship schemes but how do I find them?
I know certain well known fast food restaurants offer employment for SEN but that enviroment is far too overwhelming for him he cant even eat in them!
He has a current EHCP but my worry is come April it will expire and he will be left with no help. He wants to work I am stuck how to help him!

He is 18, the EHCP should keep going until 25 if needed.
What does he hate about college? Could more adjustments be put in place? Does he like the course?

Thank you! I didnt know the age thing I thought the annual reviews had to be done in some sort of educational placement. I will look into that.
He is doing mechanics which is something he has always had an interest in and he is getting along ok with other students it just seems to be the tutor. It can be difficult when he doesn’t gel with a person.
My contact with the tutor so far has been that the tutor does seem disinterested in his job and was also a little rude. When asked about DS EHCP he said he hadn’t read it and he would sort it out with probation officer?! So clearly he doesn’t even know what it is!! I think that made DS feel side lined due to his SEN and taken it personally. I am personally furious.
I have tried unsuccessfully to contact the welfare team regarding his SEN but they never reply! Hence why I am now looking at other options for DS 😔

That sounds extremely poor.

Now term is up and running maybe try phoning college again and asking to speak to learning support? Or turn up there.

We were able to keep DD's EHCP live last academic year even though she wasn't at college because we were planning for her to return (which she has). They only stay running if there is some progression/learning (I think).

This is his first college year he stayed on at his SEN school 6th Form until this year.
He has just completed his second week (should have been third) only as he was on a respite holiday last week which they keep moaning about.
I have emailed welfare weekly and they just keep getting the tutor to phone me! I am even more annoyed that after his induction they had an extra week to put support into place for DS due to the holiday to be told on Monday still nothing is in place.

EHCPs can continue until 25, or 26 in some cases. The EHCP won’t expire next April. The LA may at some point propose to cease to maintain, but you/DS can appeal that and it has to be maintained until the outcome of any appeal. There are situations where EHCPs can remain in force even if the young person is not attending a setting. Case law shows it isn’t all about progression or learning in the traditional sense and maintaining the EHCP is not based on whether further qualifications will be achieved.

If the SEN department is ignoring you, email the head/principal.

The provision in the EHCP must be provided. Is there anything detailed, specified and quantified in F that isn’t being provided? Or is it that the support DS needs is not actually in the EHCP or is too vague and woolly?

If DS/you want him to move setting, have you requested an early review? Have you looked at other colleges? You could also consider a supported internship. Or if it is inappropriate for provision to be made in a setting, an EOTAS package that includes supported work experience. Or an apprenticeship.

Personally, I would pursue support via the EHCP rather than via social care because the provision of the former cannot be means tested. Whereas social care support can be subject to financial assessment and means tested.

Thank you @EndlessLight some super helpful info its very appreciated 😊

My next step is to contact the head. His EHCP is very detailed in what support he needs and they are not meeting any of it as of yet, its 30 hours in old talk (he got it when it was still called a statement) which I think is a band 4/5 possibly 6?
His tutor didn’t even know what it was he thought it was something to do with being on probation?! 😩

Problem is there isnt anywhere to move him to there are 5 colleges in the area and 3 of those campuses are the same college! None of them do Mechanics he sadly isnt academic but very capable of intricate physical things if that makes sense? My other DS attends the same college but different campus experience is totally different staff have been excellent accommodating our other DS circumstances. He has even got his own welfare person (he doesn’t have SEN but young carer)

I really am appreciating everybody’s input/advice thank you ☺️

Don’t focus on the band or equivalent hours. Focus on the provision detailed, specified and quantified in F because it is that provision that can be enforced.

Are any colleges out of area within travelling distance? Would DS consider boarding?

Unfortunately state funded boarding colleges are not a thing round here. There is absolutely no sole SEN provision post 16 throughout the whole county!
Its also trying to find one that offers Pathways as he has no GCSEs only AQAs. We had enough difficulty finding his current college.

If DS would consider a residential placement, it wouldn’t have to be local. With an EHCP, it doesn’t have to be a state setting either.

If any are within a reasonable travelling distance, have you looked at placements outside of your LA, including independent placements?