Developing Independence

You'll learn: to develop your independent living skills alongside English and maths, with a strong focus on community participation.

Expect to: focus on improving your independent living skills alongside your own long-term aspirations and outcomes.

You'll love: making new friends in a supportive environment, whilst working towards your EHCP targets and taking part in community interaction projects which includes Canal and Rivers Trust ‘adopt a mile’ initiative at Saul Junction.

Independent Living courses are available to young people aged 16-24, with an EHCP, who need to build their confidence, improve social and personal skills, and/or learn independent living skills.

Preparing for Adulthood Independent Living is a two year course with the potential of being a three year pathway. The course focuses on accelerating independent living skill supporting a young person to develop skills they can take into adulthood.

Preparing for Adulthood Community Engagement is a one year course specifically designed to embed learning from Preparing for Adulthood Independent Living into a community setting. The course will support a student’s progression from education into actively participating in their community with the support of family, an extended circle of friends and or other agencies.

These courses have an excellent history of success with students progressing through the pathway into community inclusion initiatives, onto volunteering opportunities, supported internships placements or paid employment.

Students learn in smaller groups with levels of support and guidance offered by a Pastoral Support Worker, Teaching Assistant and where required a Learner Support Assistant (individual support).

All students will have an individual learning plan (ILP) involving individual specific targets, as well as group activities. The aim of the pathway is to promote learners' communication and social interaction skills, confidence building and English and maths skills where appropriate. The overall long-term aim is of securing better self-awareness, self-advocacy and ultimately a better quality of life integrating into their community.

All Preparing for Adulthood courses will have a residential at the end of each academic year to support measuring progression of independent living skills, aiding assessment supporting EHCP outcomes and progression opportunities.

The curriculum follows a personalised approach:-

• Guidance and help for transition into College involving other agencies as required.
• Initial assessment carried out in a supportive manner with student's needs in mind.
• Support provided throughout the course to aid learning and wellbeing.
• English and maths is fully embedded in the learning to promote reading, writing, speaking and listening and number skills.
• Individual personalised targets are discussed, negotiated, set and reviewed with the students.
• Regular pastoral support can be offered throughout the day.
• Review and assessment takes place throughout the course
• Close communication regarding progress is maintained with families/carers/other agencies throughout the year.
• Transition onto another course or into community engagement activities.
• Students will also have the opportunity to participate in day excursions and other external learning activities.