Age17 what counts as ‘being in f/t education’?

[TriangulationStation]

My 17 year old daughter has deferred the second year of her college course under college Learning Support team’s advice.

she’s been home learning her course for most of it, but the second year is practical based and due to her mental health issues she can’t leave the house barely to attend in situ.

I’ve been recommended Princes Trust as an Ofqual registered course but it has no home learning options.

Anybody with similar experience recommend an Ofqual registered home learning course she could do during this deferral year please? I’ve googled lots but can’t find anything 😣

She has been waiting for an ASD assessment via her GP for over two years now and she also has severe social anxiety, along with an assault incident that has now rendered her totally isolated at home. She does not want counselling.

So that home learning for now is her only option.

But it must count towards ‘being in full time education’ - unless being deferred for a year still counts as that?

my local education authority (email contact only no phone) still haven’t replied it’s been several weeks.

Any advice grateful received ! Thankyou

Do you mean what counts as full-time education for things like child benefit? If so, more than 12 hours a week receiving tuition, engaging in practical work, or supervised study, or taking examinations is classed as full time. This can include things like life skills and preparation for adulthood. It does not need to be a specific course. Home education can count if it began before turning 16 &/or DD has an EHCP. However, you can get an extension of at least 6 months, sometimes more, if DD is unable to attend full time education due to her health. This is known as an interruption.

Do you have the college’s learning support team’s advice in writing?

Does DD have an EHCP?