Supported Education Programme

Course Overview

Our Supported Education programme, based at the Croydon College campus, provides a unique opportunity for young people with disabilities, learning difficulties and/or health conditions to transition into vocational study, employment and independent living whilst supporting learners’ personal progress through a broad curriculum from school into their adult life. There are two strands of Employability and Progression with Independent Living skills embedded into both where appropriate for the young person.   

The programmes are personalised to support young people to achieve the outcomes outlined in their EHCP.  The programmes are designed to promote confidence, independence, the acquisition of life skills and a real sense of community understanding and belonging. They focus on the individual young person and what they can achieve to improve their outcomes and prepare themselves for further transition.

Useful Information

• Mode of study:

  Full-time

• Level:

  Entry 1-Level 1

• Duration:

  1 year

Course Highlights

INDEPENDENT LIVING

This course is for young people with a range of learning difficulties who are likely to have high support needs on entry, but who will be expected to become more independent as they progress through the course. It enables individuals to function meaningfully and as independently as possible by developing social skills, and independence at home and in the community.

EMPLOYABILITY

This is a course that includes units to prepare learners for future employment both paid and unpaid, supported traineeships or internships. It helps individuals develop the skills, knowledge and understanding required in the workplace.

PROGRESSION

This course allows learners to experience a variety of courses in different vocational areas within the college before they commit to one that they would like to pursue as a career i.e Music, Art, Hair & Beauty, Culinary Skills, Construction and Plumbing whilst giving them the opportunity to improve their English, Maths, ICT and Employability Skills.

Vocational units can be chosen to create personalised courses suited to individual needs. All study programmes include English, and Maths and may include specialist qualifications which could be external or internal if appropriate. Independent living skills and social skills may be embedded within the two courses as appropriate to the young person’s needs to build independence at home and in the community.

Careers and Further Opportunities

All learners can apply to study in a mainstream environment within the college subject to entry requirements. Alternatively, students may be supported into employment (paid or unpaid) or move into Adult Social Care. They are supported by the ALS Team and our Careers, Progression and Employability (SEND) Officer.

Assessment

A variety of formative and summative assessment methods are used including observations, practical assignments and coursework.

Entry Requirements

Young people interested in any of these courses will have a learning difficulty, disability or health condition and will usually have an Education, Health and Care Plan.