Supported Learning Courses Information Guide 2021-22 Welcome 1
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
» Banbury and Bicester College » Bracknell and Wokingham College » City of Oxford College » Guildford College » Merrist Wood College » Reading College SUPPORTED LEARNING COURSES INFORMATION GUIDE 2021-22 WELCOME 1 CONTENTS WELCOME Welcome 1 We’re here to support you to become more independent in Why choose us? 2-3 all aspects of your life. We help you prepare for moving on Our facilities and specialist services 4-5 to independent living, employment or further education. Life at college 6-7 We are fully committed to widening participation In 2018, Activate Learning were graded Link programme 8-9 and supporting learners with a wide range of Outstanding by Ofsted for our supported learning difficulties and disabilities. Learners learning provision, who said that Our study programmes 10-11 have access to individual support and specialist Tier 1 Pathway to Exploration 12-13 help where needed (one to one support, occupational therapists, speech and language Leaders and managers have high Tier 2 Pathways to Independence and Supported Work 14-15 therapists and physiotherapists) - depending expectations of learners and respond on site location. Tier 3: Pathway for Progression 16-17 swiftly to need. Managers support staff Our specialist teachers are highly experienced well to make sure that learners’ transition Specialist ASC Service 18-19 and we work closely with you, your family/carers into college is a very positive experience. Pathway to Supported Internship 20-21 and the other professionals involved in your life Teachers support learners very well to to ensure you have the support and structure develop their confidence and their social, Supported Internship 22-23 you need to be successful. personal and life skills through well- planned activities. Adult Programmes 24-25 Travelling to college 26-29 We have continued investment into the development of our supported learning facilities Financial support 30 across our college sites, including new ASC centre, newly refurbished sensory room and Progression routes 32 classrooms in Reading, new independent living Application process 34-35 flat in Oxford and new learning companies across all sites. What our students and parents say 36 All information in this guide is correct at time of printing but may be subject to change. See www.activatelearning.ac.uk for more information. WHY CHOOSE US? 2 3 Almost all learners benefit from WHY CHOOSE US? outstanding work experience Work experience and placements, and the college has a very strong supported internship employer links programme. Former interns have We work closely with a variety of businesses. sustained their positions for several Our learners can do exciting work experience years, some progressing onto Specialist Staff Teachers support placements, with or without support from staff. apprenticeships and others acting learners to develop their as role models, mentors and Highly-trained staff work closely with therapists and other confidence and their social, ambassadors to promote professionals to ensure your programme is perfect for you. personal and life skills through the project. Training includes autism awareness, behaviour management, well-planned activities managing medicines, and moving and handling of people. independence. Practical enterprise projects develop learners’ understanding of the world of work exceptionally well, and the quality of Leaders and goods produced and sold by learners is Award-winning learning managers work in partnership very good. Learners develop confidence companies with a range of local organisations and improve their communication skills and and the local council to plan and Ofsted Outstanding mathematics skills. They work in teams, You will have the opportunity to experience working manage highly effective personalised We have had two successive ‘Outstanding’ grades understand profit and loss, work to in a real-life environment, with support from staff. programmes. These meet local needs by Ofsted for our high-needs provision. We also deadlines and experience customer and prepare learners for progression won a Beacon Award in 2018-19 for the supporting service and sales. Staff support into higher-level programmes, students category. learners to look out into the employment, or greater wider world. independence. Learners develop Learners benefit their confidence very well. They from highly effective work on a range of projects with other additional learning support on departments of the college and external vocational courses and in supported Progression organisations. For example, they run the daily programmes. Learners benefit from a Focussed on you service in the local library. They plan and deliver strong focus on peer support and as a You will have the opportunity to progress Our smaller class sizes and high staff ratio means high-quality exhibitions promoting their skills result they are more confident to speak to the next level of study or a supported you get personalised support and attention. and achievements. In cross-college projects, out and are sensitive to the needs of internship. There are lots of exciting future learners have displayed their work with other others. Learners develop strategies opportunities available. departments and the high quality of work has to manage their own behaviour surprised and challenged other learners’ effectively. perception of the ability of learners with high needs. Almost all Be part of college life learners achieve their outcomes linked to their Adult college life is varied challenging EHCP targets. Learners Support benefit from very good information, and exciting! With support You’ll have dedicated support from our team while at advice and guidance from an external you could be a Student college. We stay in touch with parents/carers and other provider alongside well-planned work- professionals in your life throughout your time at college. Rep, join our Students’ skills sessions by teachers. Union, and enjoy student Reviews are highly discounts with a TOTUM effective. student card. Our fACILITIEs And sPECIALIsT sErvICEs 4 5 EHCPs and annual reviews OUR FACILITIES AND The college will arrange your formal annual review once a year with your personal tutor, carers and professionals that are involved in all aspects of your life. The purpose of the review is to: SPECIALIST SERVICES » celebrate your achievements and progress » find what is working well for you and review what Our sEnd provision is at the heart of our could be better colleges at Activate Learning. We believe » explore opportunities for next steps that our learners can achieve anything with Leaders and » discuss opportunities for alternative adult the right support, time and environment. managers work in services within the community partnership with a range of At each of our campuses, every student will local organisations and the local Hearing and visual support be allocated an experienced personal tutor council to plan and manage highly- who will: effective personalised programmes. We work with various hearing support providers These meet local needs and prepare to ensure that your needs are met. » support attendance learners for progression into » Radio aids and services » set targets and goals higher-level programmes, work or for greater » Signers and notetakers » give careers advice independence.” » Orientation training » help with study skills » Braillers » raise awareness of health issues » offer pastoral care Personal care and medical A full range of extra-curricular activities Personal care are organised each year that complement » and extend our academic curriculum. The » Support to develop self-care skills students have the opportunity to further » Support with administering own medication develop their social skills, independence, » Staff trained in administering emergency medication self esteem, self-reliance and physical Diabetes Support capabilities as well as having fun. » » Support with eating and drinking, including peg feeding and dysphagia trained staff Therapies Teachers work closely with other professionals to meet the needs of learners. Therapy provision identified in EHCPs is integrated into the curriculum and delivered holistically. Therapy provision includes: » Speech and Language Therapy » Occupational Therapy » Physio Therapy » Educational Psychology 6 LIfE at COLLEgE 7 LIFE AT COLLEGE 8 LINK PROGRAMME Who is it for? What else do I need The Link Programme is a transition course to know? from school to college. The programme This programme is arranged directly provides a positive introduction to our through schools and colleges. courses where students can get to know teaching staff and their surroundings before starting with us when they finish school. Who do I contact? Learners get the chance to mix with other schools and build strong friendships that If you are interested in setting up a link they will already have in place when moving with your local Activate College sEnd on to college. provider or you are a parent needing more information please contact: How long does it last? [email protected] The programme starts in September but [email protected] students can join us anytime. We work with local schools during the summer to identify [email protected] which of their young people may want to join. [email protected] The programme runs for 28 weeks and includes a variety of non accredited activities. [email protected] What will I do? Students will take part in a variety