What next for son at college

[Miserable123455]

Hi there, my son is 16, year 12 age. He’s just passed his level 2 sport and ups at college. He’s also doing functions skills maths and English and is at level 2 (I think) although feedback from college is intermittent- I have been told he is making good progress.

He now would like to progress to level 3 ups next September but his tutor has told him and us that they can’t offer him that as he’s only achieved a pass rather than a merit in his level 2 course. They also said it’s because he’s not making enough progress in maths and English.

His tutor said his progress has been amazing and his confidence has grown. He’s had very little to no Sen support despite a diagnosis of ASD, ADHD and dyspraxia. I’ve ever met with a member of the Sen team. The support he gets is off the back of another child in his class who has an EHCP and has one to one who occasionally helps my son.

Does this sound reasonable to you guys? We have a meeting on Wednesday to discuss his options for next September. Any advice or feedback would be welcome.

Request a meeting with the SENCO (even if the college doesn’t call them the SENCO, there will be someone responsible for SEN) or preferably for them to join to meeting on Wednesday but that might not be possible given the short notice. Don’t wait for them to contact you, you need to be proactive.

Do you think DS will cope with a level 3 course?

Have you and DS looked at other colleges? Some colleges do require a merit or above, and while there is sometimes some flexibility for DC with SEN, some don’t give that flexibility, especially if the DC doesn’t have a level 2 pass in GCSE English.

Think about requesting an EHCNA.

If the other student has 1:1 detailed, specified and quantified in F of their EHCP, I hope their parents know the support is being shared and that they can enforce the provision. The college is leaving themselves and the LA open to action.

Thank you for replying with such helpful advice.

We live in a small town and the courses at the college are limited. It’s been suggested he enrol on the Advance course but DS isn’t happy about this. There are two course approximately 50 mins away by train/bus .. realistically it would mean over an hours travel there and back. I’m just not sure DS could cope with that but I will definitely be exploring options at these colleges.

Im actually not sure he would cope on a level 3 but the level 2 has been fantastic for him. Hes tried so many new things, his behaviour at home is so much more settled and he genuinely seems to like his college.

it took a full term for him to settle and the first couple of months were terrible. I think it would be best for him if he stayed there but to do what I have no idea and neither does he.

I will ring on Tuesday and ask to speak to the Sen team. I’ve had very limited contact with them and his tutor is a bit of a prat if I’m honest. My DS didn’t like him at all at first but has warmed to him now. He’s said things to them like “bullying is a dying art now” and he’s also joked about how to shoplift. I’m really not keen on him but have worked hard to try and build up a good relationship with him.