At Linkage College we are confident of success because we have seen Linkage students with varying support needs achieve academically and personally in ways they and their families could only previously have dreamed of.
We put this success down to our recognition that each student is unique, so we provide individualised, bespoke study programmes to help students develop the skills and behaviours they need to achieve their goals and aspirations.
“Thank you all so very much. None of what my daughter has achieved would have been possible without your support and guidance over the past 3 years – the Linkage magic!”
– Parent
Our expert Linkage colleagues and extensive facilities offer students wrap-around support and learning opportunities within a daytime and residential timetable. We also have access to facilities and professionals outside the college to ensure all our students’ needs are met.
“It is not all about academic achievement, although the basics are well supported. I feel that my son’s curriculum has been tailor-made for him. It has been diverse and has always been adapted to suit his needs at any given time. The staff have endeavoured to accommodate any particular requests that might assist my son.”
– Parent
Starting the Linkage journey
Trying to sort out your child’s future after school can be frustrating and confusing. The Linkage College team is here to help prospective students and their parents and carers through the complete college journey.
We provide all the advice and guidance you need about Educational, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), the admissions process and funding.
“I felt that I was the only person in the world with a hopeless and uncontrollable son. At the end of that call I felt I had won the lottery! The most reassuring thing said to me was ‘We’ve had many students like this and we can definitely help you.’ I felt so overwhelmed by the reassurance and dedication of this team, and full of hope for my son’s future. I felt immediate trust in these people – something that I had not felt for
a long time.”
– Parent
Application process
During the application and induction process we will take the time to understand your child’s needs and hopes for the future.
Curriculum options and additional care inputs will be discussed, and a bespoke study plan will be put in place to ensure their safety and well-being.
“I have been able to build some wonderful relationships with the staff supporting my son, and this has led to a very reassuring trust and confidence that they will handle any situation.”
– Parent
Diaries
To show our commitment to ensuring regular communication with parents and carers, our Linkage colleagues use a daily diary system which allows you to see the range of activities your child has enjoyed, receive information on how they felt and behaved, and share comments in a daily two way dialogue.
Parent and carer groups
Meeting and discussing key areas of our students education with their parents and carers is important to us.
Linkage has a Parent and Carer group which meets on a termly basis with the Principal and other members of the college management team.
The Linkage Parent and Carer group is constantly growing, with parents and carers of new students joining the group and becoming actively involved in shaping the college’s development, from the curriculum to improving processes and procedures which impact our students.
One of the biggest outcomes from the Linkage Parent and Carer group are the changes we’ve implemented in our transition process. We now provide additional support for parents and carers in completing funding documentation, preparing EHCPs and securing peer support.
We’re also developing an online communications system, through a virtual learning environment, which will enable parents and carers to monitor the progress of their child remotely and also through the use of technology via a text service.
Alongside these formal ways of communicating with Linkage College but we encourage you to communicate via telephone and email as often as required with all our colleagues who work most closely with your child.
Funding
Most of our students access local authority funding to support their college placement. Where applicable, this can also include further services, such as residential accommodation and transport to and from college. You are likely to be asked to consider providers which are nearest to your home address.
However, you are able to request that your preferred provider is named on your child’s EHCP, particularly if you feel that the provider will be a more suitable environment, in terms of support, facilities and progression routes.
During the application process, we will fully assess the needs of the applicant, in conjunction with their EHCP, to determine a suitable and challenging study programme which will support them to achieve their aspirations. We will inform the local authority of this, and it will then make a decision on funding.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any entry requirements?
There are no academic entry requirements, but if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), we will need to be named on it as the preferred provider.
How do I get the college named on the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) as the ‘preferred provider’?
Your child’s school should focus on transition planning in the EHCP review from Year 9.
All options should be discussed and it is recommended that you visit as many providers as possible. You and your child should be given the opportunity to state which provision is preferred.
Can we appeal if the local authority does not agree to name our preferred provider on the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?
Yes. The local authority must inform you of their decision and of the appeal procedure.
How do I apply for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?
A young person over the age of 16, their parent, or their school or post-16 provider, can request the local authority to conduct an education, health and care needs assessment. The assessment and development of the plan must take no more than 20 weeks.
Visit your local authority’s website for more information or contact our Transitions team, who may be able to signpost you to the appropriate person working for your local authority.
I have been told that my local authority will not fund ‘out of county’. Can I challenge this?
Yes. You can name a preferred provider in your child’s Education, Health and Care Plan. If this is not agreed you can appeal the decision.
My local authority has said that they will only agree for my child to attend the college that is nearest our home. What can I do about this?
You can appeal this decision and should be made aware of this process. Our Transitions team will be able to assist you further and offer support.
Further Support
Our Transitions team are always happy to offer advice and guidance about EHCPs, the admissions process and funding.
Transitions co-ordinator for the Weelsby and East Riding Campuses
Julie Clarke
Transitions co-ordinator for the Toynton and Lincoln Campuses
Rachel Gregory
To contact our Transitions team
| Email: | transition@linkage.org.uk |
| Call: | Weelsby and East Riding Campuses 01472 372 303 Toynton and Lincoln Campuses 01472 372 310 |