Care for child with disability when they start college

[DesperatelySeekingInclusion]

My 16 year old has been accepted to college to do a Preparing for Adulthood course from September. This is where he really wants to go so we are really pleased for him, however there is a lot of new issues that arise as a result of this which we need to get our heads around. The main one being that as it’s a college, he will only be in 3 days a week. He cannot be at home by himself so we need to sort care. He currently has Direct Payments to cover care for 4.5 hours a week, which doesn’t even cover one day. We’re thinking that we’ll pay to top up this day ourselves. What do other people do in this situation? I asked our Social Worker and she just said ‘they don’t work’, which wasn’t very helpful and made me feel really guilty. I don’t think it would be great for my mental health or our income if I gave up my job! He currently gets DLA and we are waiting to hear with regards to PIP so I have no idea how much this will be and how much it’ll help.

Firstly, the educational package can be over 5 days if that is what is appropriate for DS’s needs. LAs often try to fob parents off by saying they only provide 3 days post 16. It doesn’t have to all be with one provider. Consider whether you need to appeal the EHCP.

Secondly, you need a social care review/updated assessments. Including a carer’s assessment for you if you haven’t already had one.

We did ask this and they said it could only be 3 days.

He’s only just got a social worker and stated getting DP because we’ve always muddled through until now. I asked the social worker about increasing hours when he starts college and she said it can’t be reviewed until next year

As I said, LAs will often say they only provide 3 days. It isn’t true and they can’t have such a blanket policy. If 5 day provision is required, it must be provided. You can appeal.

The social worker also lied to you. Did you make a formal request? If not, do that. If you appeal the educational side of the EHCP, you can also appeal the social care sections.