FOUNDATION
LEARNING
WAYS TO STUDY
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES (SEND)
For those with learning difficulties or special learning needs, it’s incredibly important to find the right college with a strong support framework to support the young person’s next step. That’s why for students aged 16 to 24, we offer a unique package of Foundation Learning with four different ‘Pathways to Adulthood’ courses, ranging from pre-entry level to level 1. With a mixture of classroom, practical and enriching activities, our aim is to equip students with skills, confidence, an opportunity to meet new friends and explore new opportunities at a pace that feels right for them.
Student benefits:
- Excellent teaching and support through small class sizes
- Planned and supported transition from school to college
- Individual learning plans and targets
- Vocational tasters
- Work experience
- Enterprise skills
- Access to speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Key English and Maths sessions
Simply put, we make sure they have the best experience possible, so they can be the best they can be in the future.
New SkillsBuilder
We’re now working in partnership with Skills Builder to offer the Skills Builder Universal Framework for all students with special educational needs in order for them to Prepare for Adulthood.
The Skills Builder Framework aims to build a set of essential skills to succeed in life.
The essential skills are defined as: Listening, Speaking, Problem Solving, Creativity, Staying Positive, Aiming High, Leadership and Teamwork.
Through the Skills Builder Framework, we can support our students to understand their existing skills and identify gaps they might have as well as see what progress looks like by getting to know what the next steps are to improve their essential skills further.
OUR ‘PATHWAYS TO ADULTHOOD’ COURSES
PREPARING FOR INDEPENDENCE
This programme is suitable for students with Special Educational Needs who need further support in developing their individual skills whilst preparing for adulthood.
PREPARING FOR EDUCATION
This programme will help prepare students who want to follow a career in service industries but are not yet ready for mainstream programmes.
PREPARING FOR VOCATIONAL STUDIES
This programme is suitable for those students who have not yet reached the academic level required to study at Level 2 and above and need support to develop educational and/or resilience skills to cope in mainstream environment.
PREPARING FOR EMPLOYMENT
This programme is suitable for those students who wish to progress directly into employment.
PREPARING FOR CONSTRUCTION
This programme is ideal for anyone who wants a career in construction but isn’t sure which trade is best for them. This hands-on course covers basic construction skills in areas like painting and decorating and carpentry and joinery, as well as the development of English and maths. The course is designed to boost your confidence and skills and help you decide on your next steps. After successfully completing the course, you will be guaranteed entry on to any of our Level 1 construction course.
A LIFE
& EDUCATIONAL
EXPERIENCE
DEDICATED,
CARING AND
SUPPORTIVE STAFF
STRONG FOCUS
ON HEALTH
& WELL-BEING
STATE-OF-THE-ART
FACILITIES
ONSITE
CLOSE LINKS
WITH LOCAL
EMPLOYERS
Don't just take our word for it
Ofsted, 2019
“Staff plan challenging programmes for learners who have high needs. Learners follow individually tailored programmes that enable them to develop their independence and skills for adult life in line with their personal targets.”
Jason Clark, Level 3 Computing
Jason began his journey with us back in 2015 studying our Interface course. In 2018, he took part in our Supported Internship programme and is now on track for a D*D*D in his Level 3 computing qualification.
“Throughout my history at the college, everyone around me has helped me develop my independence to prepare myself for the world of work. Everyone is incredibly friendly, and because of that, I have easily adjusted to college life, and I am now confident when working with others. I’m really enjoying the level 3 computing course. I like the fact that you can do many experiments with all sorts of technology, such as playing with drones, using the 3D printer, and building computer networks. I also like how you can use your organisational skills for project management – all in the space of one year.”
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
We want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the right decision about where the person you care for studies after leaving school. To make sure we provide the right support and guidance for the person you care for, we recommend you come along to one of our events.
You can apply to study with us via the link below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, some of our delivery is through vocational options, or if they want to spend time in a specific area that can be arranged. Examples of some vocational options include: hairdressing, beauty, construction plus others.
The course is 17.5 hours per week, usually over 3.5 days.
Depending on individual needs, we can arrange for a reduced timetable, with a view to increasing this in time.
We have a number of different options; a young person may remain with us for more than a year, depending on their need. Or they can progress to mainstream, either a skills based course such as catering or hairdressing, or a more vocational route such as health and social care, media, or any other suitable course.
They may progress onto our supported internship and move on to paid employment.
A small number of our students will progress to Adult Social Care.
If the young person is an independent traveller, there is a bus pass option. For those young people who are not independent travellers, and have an EHCP, transport can be arranged through your local authority.
Both parents/carers and young people can visit to explore the facilities and get a feel for the place.
An appointment can be made via tutors, see below.
WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE STARTING COLLEGE
- Regular contact with useful information about the College and Foundation Learning department.
- An opportunity for students to attend an exclusive taster session.
- Guidance on how to enrol.
- An invite to meet Additional Learning Support staff if required.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
If the person you care for needs a little support, they could be entitled to extra help with costs.
A SAFE SPACE FOR ALL
At STC, we’re committed to offering a space for students to feel safe, secure, valued and respected. Everyone has the right to protection from all forms of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
It’s our staff members’ responsibility to protect young people and vulnerable adults, and we aim to make sure all adults who may have unsupervised access to the above student groups are deemed fit to work with them.
In light of recent legislation, we also know we have a responsibility to safeguard staff and will provide clear guidelines and systems regarding staff responsibilities towards the protection of young people and vulnerable adults.
Additional Links
Looking for something else?
Here are some links you may find useful.
And don’t forget, we’re always happy to help, so feel free to get in touch.