Download our app

Click on the App Store or Google Play logos below to download the College app.

app store

google play

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

Entry Level 2 and Entry Level 3

Pathway to Employment programmes focus on preparing students to progress towards entering employment, a Supported Internship or other vocational training in the future.

Students on Pathway to Employment programmes will explore, develop and apply the skills needed to:

  • Become more independent in a variety of learning, life and work situations.
  • Undertake a range of work-related roles and responsibilities.
  • Work towards shared goals and outcomes as part of a team.
  • Take on new challenges, overcome problems and make positive choices.

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, life and work-related 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

    • Independent travel    
    • Looking after own clothes (washing etc.)

    • Prepare breakfast and healthy packed lunch

    English

    • Developing professional relationships - communicating with a wide range of people in college, and in local community

    • Know personal Information necessary to apply for jobs and services (e.g NI number)

    • Communication online and by phone for formal purposes - e.g. making an appointment

    • Functional reading skills

    • Functional writing skills

    Maths

    • Managing money (bank accounts, accessing money, budgeting)

    • Time management

    • Functional measuring skills

    • Functional number skills

    Employability

    • Fill out application forms online and written

    • CV writing

    • Interview preparation

    • Ways to search for employment

    • Access services who can help with employment

    • Networking for employment opportunities, including online

    • Options:

    • Community project with external agency

    • I day a week in vocational area

    • Social enterprise

    Personal and Social Development

    • Sexual health

    • Managing relationships

    • Personal presentation for a range of situations.

    • Keeping safe

    • Basic First Aid


    Benefits, skills and character strengths

    To help you prepare for living as independently as possible and taking on roles and responsibilities in workplace settings, 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.

    Experience of work and vocational tasters may take place in different college and workplace settings as appropriate.

    Where will the course take me?

    Through a person-centred approach to learning, this Pathway ensures that students are continually making progress towards their individual learning, life and work-related goals for the future. Students may continue on this programme for a second year, progress onto a Supported Internship or study on a Level 1 vocational course if this is appropriate to meet their needs.

    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
    Wednesday 09:00 - 15:00
    Thursday 09:00 - 15:00


    Ask us a Question

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

    Please enter your name
    Please enter a valid email address
    Invalid Input
    Please enter a message

    Ask us a Question

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

    Please enter your name
    Please enter a valid email address
    Invalid Input
    Please enter a message