Ensuring smooth transitions from start to finish

and therapy staff, as well as schools, local authorities, therapists and experts involved in student’s care, to ensure we have the right support in place from the very beginning.

At specialist further education college, Derwen College, in Shropshire, we are dedicated to supporting students to achieve and exceed expectations. A robust transition process, that’s reviewed regularly, is vital for progression. Believe it or not, even while we’re ensuring that each student’s transition from school to our college is a smooth one, we’ll already be looking ahead to the next transition, perhaps towards further training, employment or greater independence.

Students beginning with us are encouraged to look to the future so we can support them towards their goals. Important questions include: What are you good at? What do you enjoy? What employment options are available to you after college? And Where would you like to live?

The Admissions team urge families to start looking at post-16 options early – up to three or four years before start date; attending transition events and open days.

At Derwen, we work as a team with care, teaching

This transition process continues through College. Training for work and independent living, as well as a careers programme, travel training, and health and wellbeing education (which includes a hugely successful Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards programme), all provide students with the scaffolding needed for a successful transition to life after College.

For most students, work experience is an important part of learning for the future. Students work in the college’s on-site ‘Marketplace’ – which includes a garden centre and gift shop, charity shop, café, restaurant and training hotel. When ready, they progress to external work placements at one of the many local and national businesses we partner with.

Looking ahead to transition after

College

makes an enormous impact to a young person’s ambitions and future success. A clear transition process enables students to be involved in setting goals and achieving aspirations.

In recent years – during the pandemic – transition to work hasn’t always looked straightforward, yet the College team worked hard to achieve brilliant outcomes. For example, Hospitality and Food student Carter excelled in his work in the College’s small training hotel and was offered a housekeeping job at Premier Inn. Sadly, Covid struck and Carter was unable to take up the job offer until nearly a year later. He was supported in his transition by his former Derwen Hospitality teacher who accompanied him to his local Premier Inn on several occasions, and helped him to learn updated rules and regulations which had been brought in.

Carter now lives in a shared house with friends and has a paid job.

Carter’s mum, Pam, says: “Thank goodness for this amazing provision at Derwen. The mini training hotel at Derwen has created fantastic opportunities for so many students. My son is now a valued member of Premier Inn staff.”

We are proud to say that working together with valued stakeholders from across the UK, Derwen can support students to focus on and achieve ambitious transitions.

Carter’s mum sums it up in one sentence.

“Derwen gave Carter the skills and confidence he needs to live the life he wants and deserves.”

For more information visit the College website at www.derwen.ac.uk