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Can anyone help me with some legal knowhow? Post 16 provision

Coogybear

My son is at College and isn't having any support.

He left School with a statement; which expired just before he started College; and transferred to a MOAP (Moving On Action Plan), But none of it's been actioned and he's been there 6 months now.

I've challenged Connextions who say the college doest have the same liabilities/responsibilities as they would if a Statement was in place. Is this correct or am I being fed mushrooms?

Surely, their must be some legal act I can quote at the college to ensure they provide what's in the MOAP???

My son's drowning with it all now and close to quiting and becoming a NEET. He's not alone, but this has been so demoralizing for him.

Can anyone advize??

Coogy. xx

  • Post 16 education in colleges tends to be less interventionist than school. For some people on the spectrum it can be beneficial, as the peer group issues are less restrictive, and you are left more to your own devices.

    The support he is likely to get is of the "level playing field" aka social model of disability format. This supposes to provide enough help to even the odds between disabled and able.

    What that means in practice is things like different coloured paper (as if everyone has a problem with white paper) and different font sizes on hand-outs and extra time in exams.

    I don't understand some colleges. Universities mostly have good disability support. Many students go to a college for a time between school and university, so why should the standard of support fall down like this?

    What he probably need is an assessment of his needs at FE level. The statement should be sufficient to get this assessment, though you may have to pay up front for this, but then get it back in effect with various provisions. I'd hoped yesterday someone more au fait with colleges would respond (my background being university level provision).

    The other thing is to look on the college website at their equalities statement, disability support services, and also their mission statement. Most colleges are alright. Some are downright appalling and barely legal. Your son may just be at one of the basdly run colleges. It depends on the local authority and how far they've gone with addressing disability at FE level. Some colleges think wheelchair ramps is all that's involved, and some haven't enough brains together to get even that right.

    I suggest writing to the Director of the College, explaining your son's circumstances, and asking how the ciollege can help him, and what arrangements they can make to help you complete the necessary paperwork to get this underway.