If you want to continue studying after the age of 19 and have a learning difficulty and/or disability then an independent specialist college might be worth considering.
Independent specialist colleges are an alternative to further education colleges. They are especially for students who want to carry on learning after Year 14 and have a disability and/or learning difficulty.
Some of the independent specialist colleges offer extra help for students with hearing impairments; some for students with learning difficulties and others for students with physical disabilities. To get a place at one of these colleges you will need a referral from a Careers adviser and then approval from the Local Authorities LDD Panel.
Application process
The Learning Difficulty Assessment (S139a), completed in school, will identify the most appropriate provision for a young person after their compulsory schooling and this will be shared with the Local Authority. If it is identified that there is no suitable local further education provision available, an application for independent specialist college placement can be submitted.
Parents are advised to consider the list of approved Independent Specialist Colleges and make an appointment for an assessment at the chosen College at least 12 months before the young person leaves school. A copy of the letter confirming the date of the assessment has to be shared with the local authority in order for the process to commence.
Evidence requirements
Any evidence provided in support of a placement needs to be current i.e. within the last 12 months.
It should also demonstrate a match between the aspirations of the learner, their education and training needs and the learning programme proposed to be delivered by the independent specialist college.
Approval process
For all placements requests the Local Authority will require evidence demonstrating that the learner’s educational and training needs can only be met in a specialist college setting and that other provision or packages of provision cannot meet those needs.
While the Local Authority will endeavour to take account of the wishes of learners and their parents/carers, it does not have a legal duty to fund the independent specialist provision of their choice, if it is satisfied that it can secure adequate provision locally.
The Local Authority will consider the appropriateness of multi-agency funding to maximise the efficient use of funds for the benefit of learners. For example, Social Care and/or Health will be asked to contribute towards the costs of the programme. If a young person is in receipt of a direct payment/personal budget or compensation scheme they may also be required to part fund the placement.
Contact us:
Claire Perrins
14-19 Inclusion Manager
Tel: 01925 442982 E-mail: cperrins@warrington.gov.uk
Cassandra Meza
14-19 Partnership Officer
Tel: 01925 442352 E-mail: cmeza@warrington.gov.uk
External Links: www.natspec.org.uk