Written by Emma Sharrocks
2 June 2026
When leaving school a young person may consider continuing their education at a
college. Parents/carers play a vital role in supporting their young person to look at
colleges who could provide the appropriate courses and support for them.
However, the young person’s views should be at the centre of this process – even
though they will need support.
It is important that parents/carers and young people visit a number of colleges to
ensure that they are properly informed before making a choice.
Please note each college will have different arrangements for visits of
parents/carers, and young people, so it’s important to contact colleges to know their
arrangements. Remember: you have the right to request a 121 visit during quiet times instead
of going to the full open evening
Below are some points you might want to consider when making a visits, they are
only suggestions; you may have other questions or points you want to answered.
Before you visit a college
• Read the college’s online information re: SEN information, SEN policy,
• Consider what the college is able to do for your young person and how they can
help you.
• Think about what you would like to know, the questions to ask and the people
you would like to meet.
• Read the college’s own brochure/prospectus.
Visiting the college
• Arrange a date and time for the college visit, also the name of a contact person (If you do go to the open evening, consider turning up towards the end as it is usually quieter).
• Allow enough time in college to make an informed decision.
• First impressions are important, but you should base any decision on responses,
experiences and information..
• You may want to visit the college with a friend or relative so you can discuss
important issues later.
• Think about how the young person will travel to and from the college, e.g. actual
travelling time and the daily arrangements you will need to make.
• Ιf possible try to meet the staff who could be involved with the young person e.g.
student support staff, teachers and learning support assistants.
• Make sure you ask your questions, and if needed make another appointment.(You
may be able to do this over the telephone, or maybe by email).
Things to explore:
• What is the structure and timetable of the week, how will the teaching and learning
meet the young person’s needs?
• Ηow will any other of the young person’s needs be met?
• Ιt would be useful to have the names of the staff working with the young person
and their roles.
• What arrangements are there for parents to discuss progress and also contribute
to target setting and planning, learning opportunities, including homework?
. Are there any compulsory trips?
External support
Things to explore:
• If relevant to your young person: which external professionals visit the college, eg
speech and language therapist, educational psychologist, and occupational therapist
etc
• How is advice from visiting professionals implemented e.g., would the young
person have to miss the same lessons or subjects?
The college in general
Things to explore:
• Special adaptations and equipment the young person may need?
. Are there quiet spaces the young person can regulate in?
. Are the learning spaces overstimulating?
. Can the young person have their own designated seat / workspace?
• Ηow will the young person be supported outside lessons - in particular lunch and
break times?
• Are there any extra activities are available after college?
. Are there are friendship-building schemes in place?
• Are there any appropriate parents groups?
• Will you be asked to contribute towards the cost of anything else, eg books,
organised trips, extra equipment etc?
• Look at the range and condition of equipment/resources in classrooms, workshops
etc.
• What are the ICT (information and communication technology) facilities?
• Useful to have looked at the college’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies
• Does the college have links with other colleges – perhaps to provide support or for
learning opportunities etc?
• Ιf it is a mainstream college are there opportunities to access outreach support
from a special college if appropriate.
College atmosphere - overall impressions
• Does the college feel welcoming?
• Can you imagine whether the young person would be happy in the college.
• Do the other young people in the college seem well behaved/happy?
After the visit
• Discuss your thoughts and feelings about the college with the young person, and
anyone who went with you, partner, relative or friend etc.
• If you want more information you could telephone or visit the college.
• If the young person has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or is
undergoing an EHC needs assessment please feed back your views to the EHCP.
as soon as possible.
Residential colleges
Additional points to think about and questions to ask:
• Find out what links there will be between the college and you, such as home visits
or letters/emails.
• Find out how and when you will be contacted about progress.
• Find out how and when you will be contacted if there is a problem.
• Arrange to meet the person who will be responsible for the overall care of young
person out of college hours.
• Visit the dormitory or bedroom the young person will use.
• What privacy will the young person have?
• Will the young person know who to go to if they are worried or have a problem?
• What arrangements are there for the young person to telephone home or receive
telephone calls?
• What arrangements are there if the young person needs attention or is ill during the
night?
• What are the bathroom facilities and routines?
• What arrangements are there for medical care?
• What opportunities will there be for the young person to join out of college
activities, for example youth groups, sport, other leisure activities?
• Will the young person get the same opportunities to shop, cook, clean and relax as
he or she would at home?
• If it is proposed that they remain at college over the weekend, what would be the
range and programme of activities?
• It is important that you are happy with the residential arrangements for the young
person and that you are confident that the college can meet their needs.
*adapted from a Hampshire County Council publication
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