I'm starting to worry about what happens post-16.

[TaggieCampbellBlack]

I'm not sure where to start.
DD is nearly 15. in mainstream. No statement. There is a 6th form but it's pretty 'high achieving' and I don't think she'll get in.
The other option will be getting a bus to college. Big, unknown, but more options. I don't think she'll be anywhere near ready for that step.

She'll be doing gcses in 3 science, 2 english and maths. If she ever actually sits them.

She has no idea what she wants to do and can't even think about what next. I have planted the seed but she won't discuss it yet.

Where do i even start looking? Any ideas?

Are they the only 2 options? I know in my town there are a couple of 6th forms, a college, and a private college for young adults with adutim/learning difficulties that is possible (althoguh difficult) to get funding for.

Do you know any other SN parents locally to ask? My ds is only in year1 and the thought of what he might do post 16 worries me already. Are the school doing any careers education? They should be discussing options with them.

Only the 1 6th form in this town. She'd have to get a bus to anywhere else.

I'm going to try to see the SENco at school I think.

Have pm'd you.

Thanks. Much appreciated.

Taggie I would definitely talk to the SENCO IIWY. DS is Y9 and we've just had his statement review meeting and already they were talking about post 16 transition planning for him.

The SENCO will be aware of lots of things that won't be widely known about - ours told us about certain courses that don't appear in a prospectus but are offered to young people with additional needs.

Additionally DH works in a FE college that has an excellent SEN team to support young adults - both academically and pastorally, and offer a wide range of subjects - again you wouldn't necessarily know this as you see the grubby construction students going in.

Think you should seek support with transition will be into adult services soon.
better be guided by experience people, try social services disabilty partnership, local support charity, Visit college see support offerd.
Have just helped a young man in this area took two weeks too establish a full
support pakage. Educational and financial with help from adult disabilty social
also a carer's support pakage eliment put in place.
You are better working with advice of a 3rd party who is experienced and able too sighnpost you too appropriate channels. this is all i did.

I suggest you ask the SENCO about a S139 A assessment - a learning difficulties assessment to see what their needs are and therefore the provision to meet those needs. They are often done by Connexions.

Have you looked at independent special schools with sixth forms, including residential schools? Some of them have very good provision to help make the transition to adulthood, including vocational courses, and some work with colleges The advantage is that, if your daughter has a statement it will stay in place.

I would suggests that you speak to the following:

1. Current school Senco -they should know what is on offer for those not wanting to do A levels.
2. Senco (or similar) at any FE colleges in your area to see what they have on offer. I know all the colleges around here have specific courses on offr for young people with SEN
3. Connexions advisor (if there is still one in your area - they may call themselves something else now but you should be able to track them down through your LA website). Your DD may be more willing to discuss options with them rather than you! Is your DD on SA or SA+? 6th form colleges often do a range of vocational courses now - not just A levels - especially as your DD will not be able to leave education until 18 now unless she has a job(with training) or an apprenticeship to go to.