Post-16, academically able but unwell, EHCP pending – experiences please
DC is in Year 11, academically very able and hoping to attend mainstream college to study three A levels.
There is a long history of difficulties with school attendance, withdrawal and burnout, although assessments have never identified a specific neurodevelopmental diagnosis. More recently, underlying health difficulties have come to the fore, and DC is now under paediatric care.
Despite very low attendance in Year 10, DC has maintained strong academic attainment. They are currently accessing education through Section 19 provision alongside limited school attendance.
We are reviewing the first draft EHCP, but post-16 applications are imminent.
Our hope is that the greater independence and flexibility of college will suit DC much better than school, particularly with opportunities for pacing, quiet study and independent learning.
However, the preferred college has indicated very high attendance expectations and limited flexibility around remote learning and individual support.
I’m struggling with how to ensure the EHCP provides sufficient protection if DC’s health fluctuates, without creating unnecessary barriers to the mainstream college experience they desperately want.
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone with experience of an academically able young person whose main barriers are health, stamina and attendance rather than academic ability.
How did you approach post-16 applications and EHCP provision? Were mainstream colleges willing to accommodate fluctuating attendance, and what worked in practice?
I’m getting awesome support on the EHCP thread but someone suggested a general question too.