Transitioning to higher education when special educational needs are at play

[Marco_05042013]

Good morning - my daughter (an 18 year old survivor of childhood brain cancer - when she was 7) is currently finishing her first year of A levels - with EHCP. We are finding it challenging to understand higher education options (in London) for her to continue to support her in the right way. Any hints or tips on where to start exploring options would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[Lizzie-13]

Hi MarcoThat's sound amazing! I'm so pleased she had an EHCP. I don't actually have any knowledge on uni as I never went - I didn't have an EHCP and had a bad time in my last couple of years, so I decided it wasn't for me.

What I can offer you is knowledge of alternative routes. I recommend an apprenticeship. It gives you great work experience that you don't get at university, and you also come out with a qualification. You can do it in any area you like, and there is usually support available for completing the modules. When you finish, sometimes you can stay on/ get offered a job in the same organisation, but even if you don't you'll have a better understanding of what you want to pursue, and best of all - no uni debt! 😄

I hope this is helpful, and I wish you both all the best!

Lizzie x

[Marco_05042013 in reply to Lizzie-13]

Hi Lizzie! Lovely to hear from you and thanks so much for taking the time to reply. Indeed, Millie has had an EHCP for about 7 years now but it was very difficult to obtain. I’m sorry to hear you had a bad time of it towards the end. But so positive that you have managed to a structured career path via Apprenticeships. This is something we are considering and would probably prefer it outside the more traditional Uni route which may not be for Millie. Any tips as to where to begin to look? Or is it just a matter of spending time doing research across several organisations and companies that provide it? Any tips on work experience? Thanks again! And glad to hear things are going well.

[SuccessCharity Partner]

Hi Marco,

Thanks for your question - hopefully you will get a few ideas from our community!

Firstly, we would recommend speaking to your daughter's SENDCo at school/college and asking if they can signpost you to any options.

Secondly, you may find that your daughter's school/college also has a careers advisor and that would also be a good place to ask for some further guidance and information.

Thirdly, here are a couple of links which may give you a bit more information about alternative options and apprenticeships:

prospects.ac.uk/applying-fo...

gov.uk/become-apprentice

Let us know if this information is helpful and if we can help in any other way.

Best wishes,

Success Team

[Marco_05042013 in reply to SuccessCharity]

Hi Success !

Thanks so much for your suggestions. Absolutely. We are actively chatting to both the school’s SENCo and also their career advisors and they have been helpful. A very good suggestion. We will look at the links too! Thanks again.

[Lizzie-13]

Hi Marco,I started out by just generally searching for apprenticeships, but I found mine on my County website. This is a great way of doing this because they are bound to have a great support system and always have one or two available. If you want something in a specific field though, maybe try searching for organization's in that field and perhaps contacting them even if they don't offer them to see if they would.

As for work experience, I suppose you get that through doing the apprenticeship - you have to work on top of completing the coursework (but they should allow time for this too). If you want some work work experience before applying, maybe try charity work, shops, libraries, restaurants. I suppose it depends on what you'd be happy to do. I managed to get a part-time job in a shop once - it's worth asking around if anyone needs help.

[Marco_05042013 in reply to Lizzie-13]

Thanks lizzie. Some great suggestions. And all very helpful. Really appreciate you taking the time to post.

[jedistar]

Hi Marco

Yes, I found the same problem. Depending on the subject she wants to study I can recommend OCA ( now part of OU) and Liverpool Hope University. I took my 1st degree at my A-Level college ( Holy Cross in Bury, N Manchester) in evening classes. I found the support there and at Liverpool, the university linked to it, outstanding! I received a private support tutor who came to my house, a note taker and unlimited extensions. It took me 5 years, changing to Part Time after developing Epilepsy, to complete but I was made to feel very relaxed about it all and not worry.

Similarly with the OCA, who have a student support department on the website too, my needs have been understood and talk to a member of staff regularly for any help. You get 12 years to complete it as it's designed to fit around people with busy lives or extra needs etc

Check your nearest college to see if they have a similar evening class system to Holy Cross, as well as the OU and OCA websites to see what's available!

Good luck and May The Force Be With You!