Supported learning course guide 2018:19
graded ‘good’ by ofsted may 2017
contents All About Supported Learning Welcome to Supported Learning Why Choose Us? Taster & Tour Days Financial Support Life at College They Said... Application Process Supported Learning Programmes at Merrist Wood College 16 Supported Learning Programmes at Guildford College 24 Travelling to College 1 2 3 4 6 8 10 12
We pride ourselves on the level of support we offer our students
Programmes Merrist Wood College 14 Pathway to Independence and Learning 18 20 21 22
Guildford College Pathway to Independence and Learning Pathway to Employment Supported Employment Supported Internship
welcome We’re here to support you to become more independent in all aspects of your life. We help you prepare for moving on to independent living, employment or further education. We are fully committed to widening participation and supporting learners with a wide range of learning difficulties and disabilities. Learners have access to individual support and specialist help where needed (one to one support, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and physiotherapists). The Woodlands Centre, an exciting new Supported Learning Centre opened on our Merrist Wood College site in October 2015. This centre provides a safe and secure learning environment for students with severe and complex learning difficulties and disabilities. Our specialist teachers are highly experienced and we work closely with you, your family/carers and the other professionals involved in your life to ensure you have the support and structure you need to be successful. In May 2017, we were graded Good by Ofsted, who said that “the provision for learners with high needs is good; learners make good progress and become increasingly independent and confident.” I hope that you decide to join us and become part of our continued success.
joanna walters Head of SEND and Inclusive Learning Support
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why Choose Us? Exciting new Supported Learning Centre at Merrist Wood College
Real Life Experience at Guildford College
The Woodlands Centre opened in October 2015 and includes a sensory room, specially equipped classrooms, garden areas, independent living area and a therapy room.
You’ll be learning in realistic home and working environments, so our courses give you a real-life experience of a more independent life.
Enterprise Zone at Guildford College You’ll have the opportunity to experience working in a retail and catering environment in our on-site café, The Tea Room, with support from a tutor.
Diverse Curriculum We’ve got the resources and workshops to teach subjects you may not have experienced before.
Focused on You Our smaller class sizes mean you get more personal help and attention.
Be part of College Life We encourage all students to get involved in College life. You could be a Student Rep, join Faculty Forums, stand for office or take part in the Student Voices Conference. Also, if you are over 16, you can apply for an NUS Extra Card from www.nus.org.uk for great discounts!
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Support You’ll have dedicated support from our Supported Learning Team while at the College and we’ll liaise regularly with your parents/carers and other professionals in your life to keep them up to date with your progress.
Progression If you do well on your course, you may be able to progress on to the next level.
Staff with Specialist Training Our fully trained staff regularly undertake additional development, including: Autism Awareness, Behaviour Management, Eating and Drinking, Epilepsy, Epners Training, Gastrostomy Care, Managing Medicines, MAPA Moving and Handling of People, Oral Suctioning of Natural Airways, PDA, Positive Touch, Social Stories, TEACCH, Total Communication Environment, incl. Makaton, PECS and symbols, Training in Manual Hoisting and Visual Impairment.
supported learning course guide
taster & Tour days Taster days at Guildford and Merrist Wood College help you to find out more about College life and help us to find out more about you. We’ll assess you to find out which course suits you best. We have set aside some time for each Taster Experience, which will continue throughout the year. These days will allow you to experience the courses you are hoping to apply for. If you are thinking of studying on one of our Supported Learning programmes in September 2018, please book a taster session to come and meet our experienced teams. To book a place on a Taster Experience, arrange an assessment, or a tour of the Supported Learning Centres, please email: Lisa Robertson at lrobertson@guildford.ac.uk or contact her by telephone on 01483 44 85 56 For any further details please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to the College!
OUR SMALLER CLASS SIZES MEAN YOU GET MORE PERSONAL HELP AND ATTENTION 3
financial support College Bursary and Support Fund
Gym
If you have a low household income or your household is dependent on state benefits you could be entitled to receive the following support:
Students get reduced membership fees at ActivZone, the health and fitness centre at Guildford College. For more information Tel: 01483 44 86 66 or visit www.activzone.co.uk
College Maintenance Bursary - this is an attendance based bursary of between £200 and £650 to help pay towards your college and travel expenses. College Support Fund - this is a fund designed to offer support towards the cost of materials associated with your course. Enhanced Support Bursary - this bursary of £1,200 is for students who are in care, care leavers, on income support in their own right or in receipt of Disability Living Allowance and Employment Support Allowance to help them overcome barriers to learning.
Free Lunches If you are aged 16 to 18 years of age you could receive funding to purchase a meal at a College food outlet on days you are at College. To be eligible you need to have a household income of less than £16,190, be in receipt of Child Tax Credits and in receipt of, or a dependent of someone on a qualifying benefit.
Hair and Beauty Treatments You can get haircuts, styles and beauty treatments at rock bottom prices at Salon in the Park at Guildford College. To book an appointment call; Beauty Salon Tel: 01483 44 87 77 Hair Salon Tel: 01483 44 86 55 For more information about any of the above contact our Student Services Team Tel: 01483 44 85 85
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supported learning course guide
Worried you can’t afford to go to College? We can help. There are bursaries and other support funds available for some students
Materials Fees Materials fees are a set of charges that you will need to pay before you start your course in September. The materials fees you pay cover the cost of all of your day trips that you will participate in during your course for the whole academic year, such as visits to the cinema, bowling, restaurants, visits to different town centres, public transport costs etc. Trips happen on a weekly basis and by paying your fees upfront this saves us from having to send letters home each week telling you how much to bring in. You also won’t need to remember to bring in the money for each trip every time your group goes out. Your materials fees also cover the costs of the ingredients you will use and eat each week in your meal preparation lesson, as you will be preparing your lunch one day a week in college. Again, this saves you from having to remember to bring in your money each week. Included in the materials fees is a charge for any protective clothing you will need e.g. apron, safety boots etc. You will be advised of the material fees for your course when you are offered a place.
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life at college
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supported learning course guide
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they said... OFSTED (may 2017) Ofsted judgement: Good Teachers have high expectations of learners and those on discrete programmes take an active part in lessons in order to develop their independence. Most learners on discrete programmes in 2015/16 progressed to the next level of study, into mainstream courses or into employment. Teachers and learning support staff make very good use of learners’ education, health and care plans to ensure that all learners have a well-designed individualised programme with detailed targets that challenge them to reach their goals. Learners benefit from relevant, high-quality work experience and work-related activities, this includes running a college tea room and developing English skills through understanding how to apply for jobs Learners receive very good support from a range of skilled practitioners who help them with, for example, physical movement and speech and language therapies. Learners behave well in lessons, and staff are very sensitive to learners’ needs, for example giving them time out of the lesson when they become anxious. Managers use funding effectively to provide very good resources that are designed well to help learners overcome their barriers to learning, and to make good progress. Teachers help learners in the discrete groups to communicate well. They are skilled at encouraging learners to listen carefully to each other, and checking that learners remember what they have been told.
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supported learning course guide
PARENTS “The LSCA’s have been very good with Sam especially on his first day, which was hard for him.” Parent of Sam
“More confidence, verbalising likes and dislikes more clearly, being more emphatic about what he wants.” Parent of Nicholas
“My daughter is significantly more engaged in the world around her and has developed skills to make her needs and wants known to appropriate adults. She has also gained in independence, particularly with technology. I am delighted with the respectful and intuitive teaching Molly has received from all staff and from OT in particular.” Parent of Molly “Max is able to express some ideas which previously he struggled with.” “Lauryn is more Parent of Max confident and able to do
more on her own. She has thoroughly enjoyed her work experience.” Parent of Lauryn
“Simon is more confident which will certainly help with his learning from now on. Despite my son joining the college just two months ago, I am very happy with the way the communication has been done and with the growing confidence of my son.” Parent of Simon
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application process Choose your Course Speak to your parents/carers and other professionals involved in helping you make decisions, to choose which course would be most suitable for you.
Come to an Open Event For more information or to register please see our websites www.guildford.ac.uk and www.merristwood.ac.uk
Apply There are two ways that you could apply to the College:
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Through your Pathways Team/Adviser at your local authority. They will send us a copy of your signed EHCP.
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You should complete your application online by applying directly for your chosen course on either www.guildford.ac.uk or www.merristwood.ac.uk
supported learning course guide
What is an EHCP? If you have previously had a statement of Educational Needs, you should have transferred over to an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP). As part of the final review/transfer meeting for your EHCP, you will be asked to name your preferred educational provider. If you choose the Guildford College Group then your EHCP will be sent to us by your local authorities Pathways Team. You will either be invited in for taster days or a member of our Supported Learning team will come and visit you in your current educational placement so that we can meet you and talk to your teachers/support staff about your education and support needs. After these taster days, or a visit to your educational placement has taken place, the College will let your Pathways Adviser from your local authority know in writing if you are going to be offered a place. If you are 19 years or over, you will need an EHCP in order to have a fully funded course. This means that if you have an EHCP, you will not have to pay for course tuition fees. An EHCP also allows the College to provide you with additional learning support that you may require such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, any specialist equipment, speech and language therapy and learning support assistants. If you don’t have an EHCP then please contact us directly.
Enrol You will be invited to an early induction day in July where you can get to know your tutor and the other students in your group, and also enrol on your course.
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supported learning programmes at merrist wood college the woodlands centre at merrist wood college provides a safe and secure learning enviornment for learners Within the building there are a variety of facilities for students to access: Designated dropping off zone within the secure grounds of the centre Sensory room Classrooms that have their own garden areas Sensory garden and communal garden area which incorporates the ancient Merrist Wood woodland Meal preparation kitchen Therapy room Group room One-to-one room A central communal area for students which includes a library Disabled toilets Wet room facilities which include changing beds and mobile hoists.
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programmes at merrist wood college
Visits to The Woodlands Centre are welcomed and can be booked through Lead Tutor, Lisa Robertson, please email lrobertson@guildford.ac.uk or call 01483 88 85 86
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pathway to independence and learning The Woodlands Centre is a gated environment in which learners are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, develop their confidence and independence, so that they can make progress towards their Education Health Care Plan Outcomes. Our curriculum encompasses: Functional Skills; English, Maths, Money Skills, ICT Social & Communication Skills Life Skills Independence skills In addition to these core subject areas learners will also participate in vocational opportunities such as Animal Care, Horticulture, Art, Meal Preparation, Nature Studies, Sports and many more. The Woodlands Centre also provides therapies such as Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech and Language Therapy, where these are part of a young person’s EHCP. Our education team work closely with therapists to ensure a smooth and continual integration within the college day. We link with other curriculum areas at Merrist Wood College including Animal Management, Public Services, Sports and Horticulture and our students are very much an integral part of the community, making full use of the college grounds. We recognise that every learner is different and will design a study programme around you. Some of you may undertake formal qualifications at Entry Level 1 to Entry Level 3, whilst for others progression is tracked using
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RARPA (Recognising and Recording Progress and Achievement). RARPA is the national system used to measure the progress and achievement of learners on non-accredited learning programmes. The introduction of study programmes has given us the flexibility to develop individualised, learning programmes that meet the individual learners’ needs. Following the principles laid down in the national RARPA Guidance enables us as a college to fulfil our duties under the Children and Families Act (2014) and the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice. Using the outcomes in your EHCP, this programme is tailored around you and is designed to support your progression through to the next stage in your life. In term 2, you will have a formal EHCP review with your personal tutor and you will be able to invite your parents/ carers and any other professionals that are involved in your life. It is at this review that your tutor will advise you of your next step which could include: Further progression within the Pathway to Independence and Learning pathway Independent living Alternative adult services within the community Entry requirements: There are no formal entry requirements for this programme. A school/college report and an EHCP may be a requirement, based on your support needs. Your suitability for this programme will be determined by our staff after you have attended a taster experience. You will need to be able to access the College facilities in an appropriate manner.
programmes at merrist wood college
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supported learning programmes at guildford college our programmes are offered at various levels, allowing you to move forward to reach your goals. All of our curriculum strands encompass Functional Skills; English, maths, money skills and ICT, with Life Skills. All of our programmes offer formal qualifications, ranging from Entry 1 to Level 1. RARPA (Recognising and Recording Progress and Achievement) is the process we use to measure the progress and achievement of learners on non-accredited learning programmes. We use RARPA as the introduction of study programmes which has given us the flexibility to develop individualised, non-accredited learning programmes that meet the individual learners needs. Following the principles laid
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down in the national RARPA Guidance enables us as a college to fulfil our duties under the Children and Families Act (2014). The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice which accompanies the Act, speaks of how students with Education and Health Care Plans (EHC plans) should have the outcomes which have been identified in these plans responded to at college by ‘coherent study programmes’ which prepare them for the ‘best possible outcomes in adult life’. It is recognised that it is not appropriate for all students with EHC plans to follow an accredited programme.
programmes at guildford college
These programmes are designed for those with learning difficulties and disabilities to gain more independence, learn life and living skills and progress into a supported living environment. Topics include: meal preparation, independence skills, enterprise, communication, travel and leisure and money. On application, learners will be assessed and placed on the most appropriate pathway according to their prior learning and skills development. Towards the end of the year, learners will have a review with their personal tutor and will be able to invite parents/ carers and any other professionals that are involved in their life. It is at this review that the tutor will advise of their next step and the possible courses that may be available.
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pathway to independence and learning Do you want to build on your prior learning of essential skills, increase your independence and confidence and get prepared for the wider world? This programme will further develop your personal and practical skills and offers a progression route which uses the outcomes in your EHCP to develop an individualised programme of study for you. Suitable for: This programme is designed for those with severe to moderate learning difficulties and disabilities to gain more independence, learn life and living skills. Subjects include: personal development, setting own goals, English, maths, tutorial, meal preparation, independence skills, communication, choices and decisions, employability skills, enrichment activities, accessing the community and how to be a good citizen. Learners are grouped according to their academic and social needs and on average spend between 1 and 3 years on this pathway. This is dependent on the individual progress demonstrated. Using the outcomes in your EHCP, this programme is tailored around you and is designed to support your progression through to the next stage in your life. You’ll get the opportunity to engage and participate in a wide variety of practical and academic activities with support. You’ll also develop your social and emotional skills in a supportive learning environment. The College will provide a supportive, stimulating and realistic environment to enable you to gain the
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essential skills needed to function as independently as possible. Throughout the programme you will learn how to make more informed and appropriate choices and decisions. Qualification: You will study and gain either an entry level qualification in independent living/living in the community or we will use the RARPA system to record your progress. The level of qualification you study will be dependent on what you have previously achieved and our assessment of your individual needs and requirements. In term 2, you will have a formal EHCP review with your personal tutor and you will be able to invite your parents/ carers and any other professionals that are involved in your life. It is at this review that your tutor will advise you of your next step which could include: Further progression within the Pathway to Independence and Learning Moving to Pathway to Employment or Supported Employment Progressing to a more specific vocational programme Independent living Alternative adult services within the community Entry requirements: There are no formal entry requirements for this programme. A school/college report and an EHCP may be a requirement, based on your support needs. Your suitability for this programme will be determined by our staff after you have attended a taster experience with us. You will need to be able to access the College environment and facilities in an appropriate manner.
programmes at guildford college
“My best lesson is working in the Tea Room. Some people work at the back of the kitchen and some people work at the front. It will be good when I go to work.� Yeukai 19
Pathway to Employment This programme serves as a steppingstone for you to progress on to further studies to prepare you for the world of work in a supported college environment. It will help you to grow in confidence and begin to prepare you for employment by practising the skills you will need for the world of work. This programme will further develop your social and communication skills. You’ll be independently applying skills, knowledge and understanding to a wider range of academic, practical and work-based activities. You’ll also further develop your social, communication and functional skills. The programme will enable you to identify and successfully access internal work opportunities. Subjects include: English, maths, tutorial, employability skills, managing your money, searching for a job, applying for work, interview skills, working together, speaking confidently at work, independence skills, citizenship, work skills, choices and decisions, personal development, setting own goals, enrichment activities and internal work experience. Qualification: You will study and gain either an entry level qualification in employability/work skills or we will use the RARPA system to record your progress. The level of qualification you study will be dependent on what you have previously achieved and our assessment of your individual needs and requirements.
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Suitable for: This programme is suitable for you if you have a learning difficulty or disability and you prefer to learn in a small group, where you will receive support from our highly experienced staff and wish to start your journey to the world of work. Using the outcomes in your EHCP, this programme is tailored around you and is designed to support your progression through to the next stage in your life. In term 2, you will have a formal EHCP review with your personal tutor and you will be able to invite your parents/ carers and any other professionals that are involved in your life. It is at this review that your tutor will advise you of your next step and the possible programmes of study that may be available to you. Entry requirements: There are no formal entry requirements for this programme. A school/college report and an EHCP may be a requirement, based on your support needs. Your suitability for this programme will be determined by our staff after you have attended a taster experience with us. You will need to be able to access the College environment and facilities in an appropriate manner.
programmes at guildford college
Supported Employment This programme is designed to prepare you for supported work. You’ll have between 1 to 3 days work experience a week with an employer and spend 1 day studying in College. When you are in college, you will study a variety of subjects such as English, maths, tutorial, personal development, setting own goals, searching for a job, applying for work, interview skills, learning from a work placement and working together as a team. This programme will provide you with the opportunity to develop essential employability skills by getting handson work experience in the workplace with an employer. You’ll be given the skills required to be successful in the job application process and build on your self-management and independence skills. Using the outcomes in your EHCP, this programme is tailored around you and is designed to support your progression through to the next stage in your life. You’ll be given the skills required to be successful in the job application process and build on your selfmanagement and independence skills. Qualification: You will study and gain either an entry level/level 1 qualification in employability/work skills or we will use the RARPA system to record your progress. The level of qualification you study will be dependent on what you have previously achieved and our assessment of your individual needs and requirements.
You’ll be visited in your workplace on a regular basis by our staff to offer you support, coaching and resolve any issues which may arise. This programme is suitable for you if you have a learning difficulty or disability and will benefit from some job coaching in a community work placement environment. There is a level of expectation that you are independently able to manage your own behaviour, time and travel to and from placement as the college staff will not be with you all of the time that you are on placement. In term 2, you will have a formal EHCP review with your personal tutor and you will be able to invite your parents/ carers and any other professionals that are involved in your life. It is at this review that your tutor will advise you of your next step and the possible programmes of study that may be available to you. Entry requirements: There are no formal entry requirements for this programme. A school/college report and an EHCP may be a requirement, based on your support needs. Your suitability for this programme will be determined by our staff after you have attended a taster experience with us. You will need to be able to access the College facilities and external employer environments in an appropriate manner.
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Supported internship This programme is designed to help 16-25 year olds with learning difficulties or disabilities to find sustained employment, by equipping them with the skills needed to work in the workplace. This one year internship includes a minimum of six months unpaid work placement and enables young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) to achieve paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need for work through learning in the workplace. You will be based with an employer between 3-4 days per week and then spend 1 day in college developing your English, maths and work skills. During this time, you will be setting and achieving goals and you’ll also further develop your social and communication skills. This programme is taught through on-the-job training, with a job coach responsible for supporting both interns and their employers. Job coaches will support you until you are settled and comfortable in your job role. They are also on hand to resolve any issues which may arise. The job coach plays a vital part in supporting the employer to increase their confidence of working with young people with SEND, to help them with making reasonable adjustments and also helping them understand the importance of having a diverse workforce. Using the outcomes in your EHCP, this programme is tailored around you and is designed to support your progression through to the next stage in your working life.
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During the course, you will have a formal EHCP review with your job coaches and you will be able to invite your parents/ carers and any other professionals that are involved in your life to discuss your progress. Suitable for: Young people aged 16 to 25 with learning difficulties or disabilities, looking to find work. Duration: 3-4 day work placement and 1 day in college. Entry requirements: You must be aged between 16 and 25 years old, have an Education Health and Care Plan and a strong desire to gain employment, but require extra support to do so. If you would like to find out further information about this programme then please contact Elise Byng on Email: ebyng@guildford.ac.uk or Tel: 01483 44 88 51.
programmes at guildford college
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travelling to college Drop off and Pick up
For students who cannot travel independently, there is a drop off and pick up point for taxis and cars which is monitored by Supported Learning staff to meet and greet you from your transport at Guildford College and Merrist Wood College.
Travelling by Car or Taxi The Colleges are easy to reach by road and can be reached via several routes. If you require a taxi to bring you to/from college, you must arrange this directly with your local authority.
Student Train and Bus Fare Cards Young people studying at Guildford College can apply for a Student Fare Card. These cost ÂŁ25 and entitle you to a third off travel on trains and half price travel on buses if you live in Surrey (excluding London Boroughs). For further information please visit http:// new.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport If you are aged 16-25 and travelling by train, you may benefit from the Young Persons Rail Card by National Rail. Find out more about this card at www.16-25railcard.co.uk
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Travelling by Bus to Guildford College Buses run directly to Guildford College from Guildford Friary Bus Station in Woodbridge Road. Buses run to the Guildford Friary Bus Station from Woking, Farnham, Liphook, Camberley, Godalming and Dorking. Visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-andtransport/buses-and-trains
Travelling by Bus to Merrist Wood college Buses run directly to Fairlands Estate for Merrist Wood College from Guildford Friary Bus Station in Woodbridge Road. Buses run to the Guildford Friary Bus Station from Woking, Farnham, Liphook, Camberley, Godalming and Dorking. Visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-andtransport/buses-and-trains
supported learning course guide
MERRIST WOOD COLLEGE
GUILDFORD COLLEGE
Merrist Wood college
Guildford College
Holly Lane Worplesdon Guildford Surrey GU3 3PE
Stoke Road Guildford Surrey GU1 1EZ
01483 88 40 40
01483 44 85 85
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www.guildford.ac.uk www.merristwood.ac.uk This prospectus can be made available in other formats