• Replies 8 replies
  • Subscribers 28 subscribers
  • Views 1451 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Reasonable adjustments in college

NAS65567

Hi

My daughter is attending college on a reduced timetable because of her ASD,social anxiety, depression and sensory difficulties especially Echolalia. 

We have been asking for a quiet space/room for her to go to if she is struggling to regulate her emotions but they don't seem to have a particular room she can go to they are very vague and have give her a number of rooms she could possibly use if they are free ,which is very confusing and raising her anxieties.

This is outlined in her EHCP but I don't think they quite understand why it is so important. 

My daughter self harms if things get too much by banging her head on the table which they have already witnessed .I am worried that she will reach crisis if early intervention isn't successful. 

Does anyone know how I can ensure she gets what she needs as I feel like they are not providing what she needs.

  • Hi, Do they not at least have a library? That should be a relatively quiet space and they could even set aside a place in there for her to use? I used to hide a lot in the library when I was at school - there used to be a chair at the very end between the book shelves and that was a great place to retreat. However, like other people have pointed out, they really should be able to schedule/ free a designated quiet space for her. Good luck!

  • in reply to Nadine

    Oh Thankyou Nadine you have been a great help ! I'm sure I will be posting again with the outcome !

  • in reply to NAS65567

    As your daughter is at specialist school now, they should understand more than a mainstream school would, that her actions were due to her needs being neglected at the college and she became overwhelmed and lashed out.

    I would suggest that you mention this incident and any other incidents you believe were caused by their failure to make reasonable adjustments in the letter and explain that she reacted this way as a consequence of her needs not being met by the college (despite numerous verbal requests for these adjustments to be made) and that you do not believe that she would behave that way again if they make the adjustments you’ve requested.

    Best of luck at the meeting next week! 

  • in reply to Nadine

    Thankyou Nadine I will give them a written request as we are hoping to have another meeting next week. 

    My daughter really struggles with her emotions and she had a terrible week where she hit out at another student probably because of this unresolved issue and the fact that he is annoying her.

    The college have asked for her to stay at home while they  'investigate' I really hope she isn't facing an exclusion as we have been here before in her secondary school because she stood up to the bullies that were tormenting her! 

  • in reply to NAS65567

    I’m sorry to hear that your daughter is struggling to feel heard at college. That must be really difficult for her and I hope this situation is resolved for her soon.

    I think if a written request (must be made in writing, for evidence purposes) was made which includes the fact that she cannot use the available rooms because they are busy, that would encourage them to make the room less busy (especially if it is being used by young people who do not have relevant additional needs) or you can request that your daughter is allowed to use a completely different room. Even if it is an unused office, they must have somewhere that your daughter can go to for peace and quiet if she needs it.

  • in reply to Nadine

    You both have valid points and thanks for your support advice.

    Ther college that she goes to is a specialist college and they do have 2 quiet rooms but they are not used properly as they are always busy!

    The college seem to be in no rush to sort it for her despite us asking numerous times which is causing her a lot of anxiety. 

    My daughter is very quiet and college have encouraged her to speak up for herself which she is doing but unfortunately she feels like they are not listening to her when she is asking for somewhere quiet to regulate. 

  • Hi!

    Could your daughter (or you on her behalf) make a reasonable adjustments request in writing to the most senior person at the college? Specifically citing their obligations to make reasonable adjustments for your daughter under The Equality Act 2010.

    It may encourage them to make the adjustments she needs as it would be unlawful for them not to.

  • They must have a schedule for room use. I appreciate they can't keep it as the same room but surely they could put a designated quiet room on the schedule?