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

A one year programme for Entry Level students who aspire to follow the Pathway to Employment but require additional support to make the transition to this Pathway.

Students may need this support because of the difficulties they are experiencing with managing change or developing the personal and social skills needed to meet the expectations required to learn in an FE environment.

Students may be able participate in the National Citizenship scheme within this programme.


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:

    • Use eating places in college

    • Use the library

    • Use computer facilities

    • Awareness of support services available in college

    • Manage break times and lunchtimes

    • Personal presentation and hygiene

    • To buy a basic lunch in the community

    • To travel safely to a range of facilities in the local community

    • Make their own packed lunch

    • Make a hot drink

    • Make simple meals and snacks

    • Make a bed

    • Participate in taster activities in vocational areas

    English:

    • Functional speaking and listening

    • Functional Reading

    • Functional Writing

    • Self-advocacy

    Maths:

    • Manage money (understand that money has a value and concept of change)

    • To complete basic shopping tasks

    • Functional time skills

    • Functional measuring skills

    • Functional number skills

    Employability:

    • Get self-organised for learning activities

    • Follow safety instructions

    • Follow student expectations in college - language, dress and attitude

    • To be in sessions on time

    • Participate in sessions and try new activities

    • Participate in the National Citizenship Scheme

    Personal and Social Development:

    • Make informed choices

    • Answer questions

    • Work with different people

    • Health and well-being

    • Use basic functions of a mobile phone to keep safe

    • E-safety

    Benefits, skills and character strengths

    To help you prepare for learning, engaging in the community and living as independently as possible in the future, 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, this programme 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 or progress onto Pathway to Employment 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
    Tuesday 09:00 - 15:00
    Wednesday 09:00 - 15:00
    Thursday 09:00 - 15:00
    Friday 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