'Best birthday present ever' - grandmother celebrates end of 20-month battle to get grandaughter into college
“I should have not had to go through this so that my grandaughter does not continue to be failed.”
A Leyland grandmother is celebrating the end of a 20-month battle to secure a college place for her grandaughter.
Lorraine Scott said she’s been brought to tears trying to get an accurate EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) for the 16-year-old, so she can start a course in September. Lorraine finally heard she’d been successful on her birthday this week and said: “This was the best present I could have received”.
What’s the background?
Lorraine’s grandaughter, who we have chosen not to name, has a range of health and learning difficulties, including dyscalculia. Since 2024, Lorraine has been trying to secure her college-level education, but says she has been hampered by an inaccurate and incomplete EHCP, which did not reflect reports on her actual needs or the provision she requires.
Wanting to pursue a career in hair and beauty, the girl was initially offered a place at Preston’s College, but Lorraine said this was cancelled because of the inaccurate EHCP, when the college realised it could not support her need for a reduced timetable and functional skills (practical qualifications in English, maths, and digital skills).
A place at Runshaw College was held up because of the ongoing dispute, with Lorraine saying she was ‘passed from pillar to post’ by LCC, was dealt with by numerous different case workers, and even says that in June, she made 56 phone calls to LCC that weren't returned. In exasperation, Lorraine made arrangements to take the matter to an EHCP tribunal, scheduled for November 3.
But now, just days before the start of the new term, the girl’s place at Runshaw has been confirmed.
Lorraine said: “I feel that the past 20 months has been extremely stressful, and I have had to go to such extremes to get the outcome we have now. This has caused me so much distress and reduced me to tears several times and affected my health.
“I should have not had to go through this so that my grandaughter does not continue to be failed. This last 20 months has just reinforced that she cannot trust adults. When I received the email informing the local authority are naming the college which she wants and are able to provide her with the support she needs, it was my birthday. This was the best present I could have received and now my grandaughter has the opportunity to succeed in the next chapter of her life.”
What does LCC say?
Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Lancashire County Council said: "School placements are made following detailed consideration of a child's individual needs, including travel distance, and parents and guardians have the right to appeal if they would prefer a different placement.
"(Name) has had an EHCP since November 2023 and was offered a place at Preston College within the allocated timeframe. Following an appeal by her guardian, we worked closely with both Preston College and Runshaw College to review her preferred placement. We are pleased that (she) has now been offered a place at Runshaw College and will begin her studies there in September.
"Supporting Lancashire's children and young people to access the education and specialist support that best meets their needs is a top priority for us.
"Any changes to an EHCP, including a placement, must be supported by professional evidence, which can take time. While we are making improvements, we recognise that some families are still experiencing delays with EHCPs and school placements. We are committed to resolving these issues as quickly as possible.
"Families requiring additional support can contact Lancashire SENDIAS, the SEND helpline, their local Family Hub, or their child's current school for advice and guidance."