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Tell us more about you

If you're not sure exactly which Supported Learning (SEND) course is right for you, please fill in the form by clicking on the button below to tell us more about you and we'll be in touch. 

Not sure? No problem

Choosing what to study can be challenging. Speak to one of our advisors to find out what your options are.

Advice & Help Centre

This study programme is designed for 16 to 19 year olds (aged 19 to 24 for students with an Education, Health and Care Plan).

All courses take place on our Sixth Form Campus, therefore any applicants aged 25+ or over who do not have an Education, Health and Care Plan may be required to complete a DBS check as part of the conditional offer to West Suffolk College. The cost to the applicant for a DBS is £30.00 and the DBS check can be completed through the college.

Please visit our Adult EducationDegrees and Employer section for alternative courses.

About the course

Pre-Entry - Entry Level 1

Pathway to Adulthood programmes focus on preparing students to progress onto living as independently as possible in the future.
Students on Pathway to Adulthood programmes will explore, develop and apply the skills to:

  • Express themselves and communicate in different scenarios and settings.
  • Work positively alongside a range of different people to achieve goals.
  • Actively engage in college, community and social enterprise activities.
  • Practice independent living tasks in the home and the community.

Entry requirements

  • Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
  • Working at Entry Level
  • Previously educated in Special School or Special Provision in a mainstream setting
  • Participation in a Pre-Programme Assessment and Transition Activities.
  • Entry requirements for all Supported Learning Pathways will include assessment of previous and current behaviours to evaluate any impact on safety in group learning situations.

What you'll learn (core modules)

At the beginning of each year, we will support you to produce your PATH (Planning alternative Tomorrows with Hope). Your PATH will identify your hopes, dreams and ambitions for the future and shape your learning journey towards future goals that are meaningful to you. We will then work together on developing the Independence, Employability, Maths, English and Personal and Social Development skills you need to make positive progress towards your learning and life goals for the future.

Your Individual Learning Plan will be designed to meet your needs and develop the skills that will help you make progress towards your future goals. These may include:

Independence:

  • Use eating places in college
  • Use the library
  • Use computer facilities
  • Where to go for help
  • Managing timetable and college routines
  • Being ready to learn/work Road crossing and safe routes
  • Using local leisure facilities
  • Make a hot drink
  • Use basic kitchen equipment: kettle, toaster, microwave, etc.
  • Make simple meals and snacks
  • Basic home management tasks
  • Managing break times and lunchtimes

English:

  • Communication skills
  • Self-advocacy
  • Using a phone
  • ICT skills
  • Functional reading skills
  • Functional writing skills

Maths:

  • Money skills, including budgeting for lunch etc.
  • To complete basic shopping tasks
  • To buy a basic lunch in the community
  • Functional measuring skills
  • Functional time skills
  • Functional number skills

Employability:

  • Get self-organised for learning activities
  • Follow instructions
  • Personal presentation and hygiene
  • Problem-solving
  • Social enterprise
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award
  • Community project
  • Tasters of supported employment opportunities

Personal and Social Development:

  • Making choices
  • Managing friendships
  • Working with others
  • Keeping healthy
  • Trying new activities
  • E-safety

Benefits, skills and character strengths

To help you prepare for moving into adulthood and living as independently as possible, you will be working on developing the following character strengths: Ambition, Confidence, Curiosity, Optimism, Ownership, Resilience, Respect and Self-Control.

How will I be assessed?

Progress towards your goals will be tracked using RARPA (Recognising and Recording Progress and Achievement) and monitored on your Individual Learning Plan throughout the year. If you are demonstrating that you are ready to progress onto a Maths or English Functional Skills qualification/unit, this will be included within your RARPA goals on your Individual Learning Plan.

Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)

Classes for this Pathway will take place in Minden House, which is designed to offer a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for students with SEND.

Where will the course take me?

Through a person-centred approach to learning, Pathway to Adulthood ensures that students are continually making progress towards the next stage of their plans for moving into adulthood and preparing to live as independently as possible in the future. Students may continue on this Pathway for a second year or, if appropriate, move onto the Pathway to Employment.

Will I need any materials or equipment?

Students will be expected to bring in their own basic equipment e.g. pens and paper etc.

I'm interested. What should I do now?

Please contact Supported Learning directly. Rhian King will be able to answer any questions you may have, please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Days & times

Starting September 2023
Monday 09:00 - 15:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 15:00
Thursday 09:00 - 15:00
Friday 09:00 - 15:00


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If there is anything more you would like to know about this course, please message us here.

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