Learners must have an Education Health Care Plan and be between the age of 16 and 25 for this programme. No formal qualifications are necessary.
Topics on this course include:
Programme pathways
Subject specific skills
Organisational skills
Behavioural skills
English and maths
The content is mostly practical, ranging from kitchen skills to community volunteering. English and maths is embedded in everyday living activities. We help the learner and parent/carer identify short and long-term individual goals.
There are no formal assignments; success is determined upon goal achievement. The system used is called RARPA (Recognising And Recording Progress and Achievement) and a portfolio of evidence is compiled. Learning support is provided, in line with the requirements identified in an EHCP.
There is no formal work experience element. However, each learner's individual needs and aspirations are taken into account and if it is desirable and possible, work experience will be facilitated.
All learners will be supported in learning skills for volunteering or employment, and this will be in the form of visits and guest speakers.
We acknowledge that learners travel a journey at different speeds. Some learners will be ready for volunteering after the programme and others will need more support for independent living. The Life Skills Plus course would be the next step for those who are able to undertake voluntary work.
For those who need help with independence, advice and guidance is given regularly throughout the programme, regarding next steps. We work very closely with outside agencies to ensure that the individual needs of each learner are taken into account when planning progression.