EHCP-Residential College

[calmingdown]

Hi I m considering a residential college for my 17 dd. She was diagnosed of ASD 3 years ago while in a mental unit because of anxiety. I m beginning to feel that residential placement will give her a more structured environment than it can also she prepare into a more self reliant life.

I want to ask those who ve been though the system how it works. Can you apply a place for your dc in any Send college/s anywhere in the uk. I only know if you apply for a college that is within your county then you will only get a day placement.

How does it work? What is your experience like with your residential college or school? Is it worth?

EOTAS is education other than at school. Lego Is your expert on that.

It took about 7 to 8 months to secure Ds's placement. Our LA had just been inspected by Ofsted and had a terrible report. So we used that to our advantage, as they were in a mess and management were changing . We did also begin the appeals process. I got professionals working with Ds to support the need for specialist education. CAMHS were helpful with this. And in the end the LA (including their educational psychologist) agreed that he needed it.
Does Dd want a residential placement?

We live approx 45 mins from the placement. But the college said that they take day students from up to 2 hours away, although I couldn't imagine doing that journey regularly. I don't know much about their residential side.

Like Lego says I think you need to request an early AR to begin the process.

As Punx posted, EOTAS is Education Otherwise Than At School. It is a bespoke package of provision delivered outside of a school/school setting when is it inappropriate for the provision to be delivered in a school setting.

So do we ourselves have to look for and approach colleges for her rather the LEA? Where can I find a list of these colleges?

Yes dd wants a residential place. We love her and support her our home is safe not perfect. But I feel she needs more than what I can help her with such as preparing to live on her own.

I posted 2 links in a pp to sites where you can search for placements. Don’t rely on the LA. You will need to drive the process. Ask for an early review and find your preferred placement. Approach them yourself. Following the review, if the LA agree to amend, you will get the opportunity to state your preferred placement and the LA should consult with them, but don’t wait for that.

We looked at, visited and researched the placements ourselves. The LA would then be the ones that would approach the college to ask if they could meet needs.

In our case initially the LA said that they would not consider specialist as Ds's needs could be met within a mainstream environment. You have to have evidence that they can't. That's why having professionals state that specialist education is needed is very important.

@OvertakenByLego i saw the links before but I just can’t find that particular post anymore don’t if it has delated by mumsnet hq. Would be kindly send them to me again?

Ok found them thanks

Is Asperger syndrome same as moderate ASD?

The links are in my first post at 17.41 yesterday.

Asperger Syndrome is no longer diagnosed in the UK, it is all encompassed under ASD. The UK doesn’t tend to use levels either, so moderate ASD doesn’t really have one specific meaning.

The problem is it s a bit late for this September!

Ds starred his specialist college mid year, I think it was March. Specialist placements can be a bit less rigid than mainstream.
For his first four months there he joined some classes but was officially on any courses. He didn't start those to the September. That was fine, as he was just starting back in education again.
EHCP's give you that longer period of time into adulthood, to gain what you need to make the next steps forward, whatever that may be.

I'd get the ball rolling for an AR and you can discuss provisions that could be provided whilst waiting for an appropriate placement.

@Punxsutawney does your ds s college do level 2 & 3 courses and GCSEs?

Some colleges recruit all year round. Some September. I think if you can start residential in September 24 she will 18. That s not too bad is it?

@Punxsutawney 45min journey each way? How do you find the journeys?

Ds's college does functional skills (I think), B-TECs, GCSEs and A Levels. They are limited on subjects as they are a small-ish placement. They have a wide range of abilities there.

With an EHCP, 18 is not a problem. Ds currently has two year left at his placement which would take him to 21. And I have no idea whether he will need his EHCP after that.

The LA have always provided a shared taxi for Ds. He tolerates it, doesn't love it, but goes mostly without too much complaining. That has been really helpful for us. I do drive but due to my own difficulties I just couldn't couldn't manage the driving there and back 4 times a day.

it seem the right level of college for my dd would you be kind enough pm me the college name?

As Punx posted, DC sometimes start specialist residential placements during the year. You haven’t yet asked for an early review (and the LA don’t have to agree) and then you may need to appeal, so you may well be nearer next September than this September anyway by the time another placement is named. 18 is not too old.

In the meantime, anything detailed, specified and quantified in F needs to be provided. Is there anything detailed, specified and quantified in F?

F = fail?

Section F of the EHCP.

@Punxsutawney I was told LA will not fund taxi for 16+.

The rules for post 16 transport are different, but transport can still be provided and a blanket ban should not be in place. SENTAS can help people challenge transport refusals.

Just thought of something. Can someone go to a less academic residential college first then move on to a more academic residential college as they progress?
Just looking the colleges some seem to only do upto functional skill 2 . So there isn’t much after that.

Changing placement is possible. Although, you may have to appeal.

Thanks