This article details what happens when a young person with an Education, Health and Care Plan goes to university. At this point, their EHCP will automatically cease. However, there are other sources of help available to university students with SEND.
How do we research which university to choose?
Each university will have its own services for people with SEND, and these will be detailed on the individual university website. Reviews from current or previous students may also help you to work out the right fit for your young person.
Be sure to attend open days so that you can be certain all relevant needs will be met in each establishment. At this point, you can ask if there is a support group for disabled students and any other questions you may have about adaptions that can be made.
For students with disabilities, it is worth researching travel options to campus; are there disabled parking spaces, for example. Consider distance learning or part-time courses if you will find being on campus full time difficult. Establish if there is adapted accommodation at the universities you are interested in attending.
Do I mention SEND on a UCAS application?
It is a good idea to mention any relevant SEND on a UCAS form so that universities are aware of them from the offset. Failure to do this may mean that the Equality Act may not apply, and support may not be put in place for the student.
Is there any other support available to university students with SEND?
People who meet the criteria are able to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance on top of their student loan. This is done when you apply for student finance online. You will need evidence of eligibility, and you are likely to have this to hand from your earlier EHCP application and reviews. Disabled Students’ Allowance is designed to be used for specialist equipment such as a laptop, non-medical helpers, for example, a BSL interpreter or note taker, or other needs related to the disability.
You can find out more about Disabled Students’ Allowance here:
Any advice for parents?
It is important to note that universities will not respond to enquiries from parents as standard because of the Data Protection Act 2018. Their contract is with the student, and they will treat students as adults. The way to ensure you can be involved when needed is to get Data Protection Act consent from your young person and make sure it is added to their university file.
Unlike with an EHCP, support at university is not a legal requirement, and there will not be a regular review as you are used to having with an EHCP. It may be that you need to be a little bit more proactive with making sure everything is in place for your young person.
If your young person is thinking about going to university, it can be an exciting but stressful time. As with their earlier education providers, the key to it is finding the right place for the individual student.
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