Transitioning from Sith Form College
By Zoe Butlin
Paige Butlin (19) is starting college in September; this was our journey.
After completing Year 11 at a mainstream secondary school, we looked at colleges and specialist courses but felt they weren’t right for Paige at the time. Therefore, she went to a specialist sixth form at the age of 16. During her final year we were conscious that in order for her to transition into her college of choice, her EHCP had to be completed with no ambiguity and state exactly what Paige required. By having the meeting in November, it gave sufficient time for the school, and local authority to fulfil their legal requirements and for us to ensure that the ECHP was fully written with no amendments or drafts waiting. The local authority is legally required to have reviewed and amended the EHC Plan including consultation with the named college by 31st March and confirm attendance.
All parties agreed that Paige would attend the local college which had a supported learning facility on campus. She could only qualify to attend the “pathways” course with agreement from the local authority, it was imperative that this was written into her EHCP for transitioning from sixth form to college. Additionally, we also insisted that she should attend a “transitioning into adulthood and independent living” course, again if this was not included on her EHCP she would not have been entitled to enrol, even though she qualified for the pathways course. As part of transitioning to college and hopefully moving towards independent living, if Paige choses this in the future, we also requested on her EHCP that she have a transition social worker assigned, as it will open up other opportunities that at present, she does not have access too, (due to covid we are still on a waiting list).
We originally started attending college open evenings when Paige was transitioning from secondary school but continued to do so throughout her time in sixth form. This allowed us to get a good idea of how the college was developing its supported learning unit over several years, as the goal was for Paige to study here after sixth form. We were able to talk to different college staff members and gain a good understanding of the unit’s long-term strategies. During these visits Paige was able to familiarise herself with the unit and staff to help get used to the idea of attending in the future and has helped with her anxiety levels.
Paige’s course is “full time” this is 9am-3.30pm 3 days a week, 35 weeks a year, this varies by college. Unfortunately, there is no wrap around care or supported extra curricula activities at the end of the day. This has meant that I have had to give work up as the timings make it impossible to fit in around my working hours.
Our transitioning advice is to start looking into future education early to allow plenty of time to think and research. Do not assume entitlement to one course automatically gives access to any another, always check entry requirements for each course. Make sure everything is included on your EHCP.
Zoe – Paige’s Mum