SPECIALIST RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE

[hilary.denni]

My daughter has been offered a place at a specialist residential college where the fees are approximately £900 per week. If funding is refused by the County Council, which it more than likely will be, will I able to appeal their decision and on what grounds? Thank you for any help.

[Count-A-Strong]

I think you need to ask the County Council whether there is an appeals process.

[factor-fiction]

Did you/she apply?
£900 a week? That's an astonishing figure? Is it for one-to-one tuition?

[wolf63]

I suppose, also, a deciding factor would be whether she 'needs' to attend this residential school or whether she 'wishes' to do so.

[hilary.denni]

Factor30 - my daughter has severe learning difficulties hence the cost as it is for her care as well as her education. In my opinion Wolf, she needs to go to this sort of college as I don't think mainstream college would be suitable for her. She has been at special school since the age of 3 as when they tried taking her to mainstream school just for one day a week, it didn't work out.

[wolf63]

If your daughter has learning difficulties does she have a social worker or are you in touch with a charity that can help you in this matter?

If the £900 quoted is a reasonable amount in the circumstance (no idea of education costs) then it may be that the council will make a favourable decision. If all else fails the CAB may help - or be able to direct you to somebody who will be able help.

Good luck to you and your daughter.

[wolf63]

However - I am assuming that your daughter is of school age.

[Barmaid]

If she is of school age, does she have a Statement of Special Education Needs? Do you have the contact details of your local SENCO officer?

[hilary.denni]

Barmaid, she's 18, the college place is for things like independent living skills, work experience which she will need later. She has an SEN but I've never been in touch with SENCO, who is this and what is their role? Thanks

[rowanwitch]

The college should have an adviser to help you through this....they want the fees so will try very hard to get your daughter on the programme Housemate works in a college like this..If you get stuck I can ask her next week but I won't be seeing her until monday now. The fees sound a little lower lower than the cost per week where she works so you might be surprised...the council may be happy to cover the costs