DD Y12 CFS diagnosis: post-16 HELP?

[Abthdust]

A while ago I posted on another thread about DD: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/secondary/5420017-chronic-fatigue-a-levels-argh-help?page=1

TLDR: DD is in Y12, is super smart, is doing 3 A'levels (physics, maths, further maths) but has CFS and cannot cope with in person schooling.

Since I first posted she now has had a formal CFS diagnosis which is on her medical notes (and I have shared with school and LA).

I have applied for an EHCP and been turned down at the first hurdle (no need to assess because school have not yet shown that they can't meet needs: the school did not engage in the EHCP process AT ALL). We have done mediation and I could appeal.

She is not attending because of a medical condition (does that make a difference?).

Currently she is attending very part time (going in for one subject (physics) and self-teaching maths). There is no way she is ever going to be able to attend physically in person for long days either at school or anywhere else. Going in for one lesson a day is working well -- but it is not going to get her to where she needs to be.

The school are hand wringing and saying it's all a grey area because she's post 16, which I know is true.

I feel we are in a situation where it is clear she can't attend; she could either do part time in school with some online / tutoring; or she could do it all from home. We cannot afford to do this privately ourselves.

I feel like LA and school are both kicking the can down the road and arguing about how difficult it all is while doing FA for my daughter, who has now missed nearly a whole term of school. (She is actually self-studying and doing quite a good job of keeping up but could really do with some support from teachers.)

Any thoughts from the wisdom of MN? Thank you in advance.

What do you want or believe would be the best support? Would an EHCP achieve that? I’m assuming she was able to attend school to do GCSE, or did she do those as a private candidate.

Appeal the refusal to assess. The threshold for an EHCNA is relatively low - a) has or may have SEN, and b) may need special educational provision to be made via an EHCP. If DD can’t attend full-time, the school cannot meet her needs. It doesn’t matter DD is post 16 or not.

If DD was compulsory school age, the LA would have a duty to ensure she still receives a suitable full-time education under section 19 of the Education Act 1996. That is separate from the EHCP process. However, unfortunately, whilst the LA has the power to make provision for post 16 pupils, they don’t have the same duty to.

No she dropped out in Y10 but did GCSEs as a private candidate. Best support would be one A level in school (lab) + some kind of online provision for the other two subjects. Am aware that’s probably not achievable but figure she can’t be the only bright 6th former who can’t access school. I know the law here is muddy which is why I’m asking here in case anyone has any views / thoughts,

Thanks for your reply: yes, the more I find out the more this seems the right route.

Am aware that’s probably not achievable

Don’t be put off by people telling you it isn’t possible. It absolutely is achievable. Although it may take appeal(s).