The EHCP lasts whilst your child is in education and can continue until they are 25.

The Local Authority is responsible for funding the educational placement along with the support as agreed in section F of the EHCP.  It is important to ensure the EHCP reflects your child’s current needs.

A young person with an EHCP has all the same options as someone without an EHCP, but there are some additional options available to them and these includes;

 

Supported Internships

Independent Specialist College

 

There is also some leeway on age limits for courses and training programmes and educational requirements for some apprenticeships where GCSEs in maths and English are stated as essential. 

The process for applying to colleges is the same for everyone, the main difference is for applications to independent specialist colleges.  If you apply for one of these then a local Authority may decide to consult with a local FE college to see if they can support your child.

 

To do this they send the most current EHCP to the provider.  The provider could ask that your child also visits the college for an assessment,  its therefore important that the EHCP reflects the current needs of your child.

 

If a local college can meet your child’s needs, this may be offered to you by the local authority, but you will have the right to appeal.

 

Birmingham LA will also request you complete a preference form indicating the colleges, courses etc you are applying to.

T-Levels are new technical level qualifications aimed at 16-19 year olds.  They have been developed with employers and aim to provide students with the knowledge and skills for employment.  T-level qualifications can also provide access to higher level qualifications and a T-level is equivalent to 3 A-levels. T-level courses involve 80% classroom study and 20% industry placement (of at least 45 days).  T-level qualifications are offered in a range of vocational areas and over the next 3 years, 24 T-level subjects will become available. For  further information about T-levels visit https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/students

 

 

 

When choosing your college / sixth form options it is important to think ahead.  If you have a particular career or degree in mind it is important to check the entry requirements to help you make your post 16 choices.  You can use the UCAS website to help you with this (www.ucas.com).  The search facility on the UCAS website allows you to type in the degree you would like to study.  It will then provide you with a list of Universities offering degrees in your chosen subject area.  You will be able to check the entry requirements for your chosen degree.   Another useful source of information is ‘The Uni Guide’ www.theuniguide.co.uk/advice/ucas-application/what-are-university-entry-requirements.

 

 

It’s natural to feel nervous when you have an interview. The college will understand if you are nervous and will try and put you at ease. Having a good preparation plan in place can also help elevate your nerves. Generally, college and sixth form interviews tend to be more like an informal chat.  It’s an opportunity for them to get to know you. It also provides you with the chance to find out more about the course and facilities. Make a good impression by making sure you are dressed clean and tidy, arrive early and remember to take with you anything that you have been asked to bring.

 

 

 You may be asked some of these questions

 

  • Why do you want to attend this college?
  • Why have you chosen this course?
  • What do you hope to do when you have finished your course?
  • Do you have any questions for me?

 

Try to prepare some questions to ask, as this can show your enthusiasm and interest.

There are lots of employers offering apprenticeships in different areas of work. A good place to start is by using the National Apprenticeship Service website https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/  

 

Many companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, Barclays Bank and BT also advertise apprenticeships on their website, so using company websites is also a good source to use.

 

Apprenticeships are advertised all year round, but many employers advertise apprenticeships aimed at school leavers from the end of March/early April.

 

If your application is successful, the employer will invite you for an interview.  It is best to start with applying to at least 10 different employers as this could increase your chances of securing an apprenticeship.

With over 350 different job roles within the NHS It can be difficult choosing a role which is right for you. Why not use the quiz on the NHS website https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/ to help you find your ideal job role.