Post 16 - where do we stand

Hi, this is my first time posting and really hpoing someone can offer some advice.

My son is 16 (almost 17) after a long battle we finally got his ASD diagnosis this year. He's in mainstream school and while it's always been a little difficult thanks to to the help of CHAMS pushing the school to act we got through his GCSE's with minimal fall out. We also had a EHAF in okace which has now been closed. After a lot of consideration he decided to stay on at the same school for 6th form as he knows the SENCO and pastoral team and also his small friendship group were staying there. He is now struggling with the courses he is doing and after many meetings we've been told he's failing every subject. He is not recieving any support as according to the head of 6th things are run differently in 6th form. I thought no matter his age, as he has ASD there should be some support offered. He's not enjoying school at all anymore and is hoping to move to an apprenticship which the school thinks is for the best as if he doesn't pick up his grades they'll have to ask him to leave. His main issues are emotional and sensory.

My main fear is what do we do if he doesn't get the apprenticeship he wants and school ask him to leave. He won't go to the local college as there are people there that harrass him online and in person. The law now states that all 16-18 year olds must be in some form of education or training. Does any one have any advice on where we would stand if he was out of school/training or what there is out there for young adults with ASD that will comply with the new education laws?

Thanks in advance.

Parents
  • Thank you both for your comments. I have saved a copy of the letter template you suggested. If he doesn't get the apprenticeship he's applied for and we are stuck at school I will be sure to tyoe it up and get it sent in.

    To date i've been to scared to ruffle any feathers at school as I know of at least 3 other autistic kids that have been excluded from the school (all by the same teacher) but I'm at the point now where other than the apprenticeship this school is our last resort and if they won't help him and he won't go to school I can't afford any fines they may impose.

Reply
  • Thank you both for your comments. I have saved a copy of the letter template you suggested. If he doesn't get the apprenticeship he's applied for and we are stuck at school I will be sure to tyoe it up and get it sent in.

    To date i've been to scared to ruffle any feathers at school as I know of at least 3 other autistic kids that have been excluded from the school (all by the same teacher) but I'm at the point now where other than the apprenticeship this school is our last resort and if they won't help him and he won't go to school I can't afford any fines they may impose.

Children
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