Foundation Learning
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES (SEND)
South Tyneside College is a general further education college with specialist provision for young people, aged 16-24, with special learning needs or learning difficulties.
WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
We offer you a Foundation Learning package of support which is unique.
Our aim is to work with you to give you skills and confidence and the opportunity to meet new friends and explore new opportunities, at a pace that suits you. Simply put, we make sure you have the best experience you can so that you can be the best you can be in the future.
WAYS TO STUDY:
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
For those with learning difficulties or special learning needs, it’s important to find the right college with a strong support framework to support the young person’s next step. That’s why for students aged 16-24, we offer a unique package of Foundation Learning with four different ‘Pathways to Adulthood’ courses, from pre-entry level to level 1.
With a mixture of classroom, practical and enriching activities, our aim is to equip students with skills and confidence and to explore NEW opportunities at a pace that feels right for them.
Through the Skills Builder Framework, learners develop the essential skills needed for everyday life, further study and future employment. These skills are built into classroom learning, practical activities, enrichment opportunities and Preparing for Adulthood programmes, helping learners gain confidence and independence while working towards their personal goals.
Our Pathways to Adulthood courses range from pre-entry level to Level 1 and provide a supportive environment where learners can develop at their own pace, make new friendships and explore new opportunities.
Throughout the programme, learners will develop the eight essential Skills Builder skills: Listening, Speaking, Problem Solving, Creativity, Staying Positive, Aiming High, Leadership and Teamwork, enabling them to recognise their strengths and prepare for their next steps.
Our Pathways to Adulthood programmes support learners to develop the confidence, independence and practical skills needed for everyday life, further education and future employment. Courses are available from Pre-Entry through to Level 1 and are tailored to individual aspirations and support needs.
1. PREPARING FOR INDEPENDENCE AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT
Pre-Entry / Entry Level 1: Learners develop confidence, communication, social interaction and independent living skills, helping them participate successfully in everyday life, their community and future opportunities.
2. PREPARATION FOR EDUCATION
Entry Level 2 / Entry Level 3: Designed for learners who would benefit from additional support before progressing to a mainstream programme. Includes curriculum taster sessions and transition support.
3. PREPARATION FOR VOCATIONAL – IT
Entry Level 3 / Level 1: Develop practical IT skills through accredited and non-accredited learning, with progression opportunities into Level 2 IT programmes.
4. PREPARATION FOR VOCATIONAL – HOSPITALITY AND CATERING
Entry Level 3 / Level 1: Gain hands-on experience in food preparation, customer service, health and safety, and teamwork while working towards a recognised qualification.
5. PREPARING FOR THE WORLD OF WORK
Entry Level 3 / Level 1: Develop employability skills, workplace behaviours and practical experience through work-related learning and internal work placements.
6. PREPARATION FOR GROWTH AND WELLBEING
Entry Level 2 / Entry Level 3: Supports learners to build confidence, resilience, self-awareness and wellbeing while preparing for further education or vocational pathways.
7. SUPPORTIVE INTERNSHIP
Entry Level 3 / Level 1: A work-focused programme combining college learning with substantial work placements to support progression into paid employment.
- Excellent teaching and support through small class sizes
- Planned and supported transition from school to college and beyond
- Individual learning plans and targets that are regularly reviewed to embed learning and ensure students are making continued progress towards their goals
- Vocational tasters within mainstream courses that the student is interested in pursuing in the future
- Work experience (Learners will undertake at least 7 hours work experience)
- Opportunities to engage with extra-curricular activities ran through our exciting Enrichment offer
- Key English and Maths sessions
- Personal Development sessions
- Work Ready Skills Sessions
- Skills Builder passport to evidence the students’ achievements relating to the 8 key areas of development (Speaking, Listening, Team Work, Staying Positive, Aiming High, Leadership, Creativity, Problem Solving)
Simply put, we make sure they have the best experience possible, so they can be the best they can be in the future
Complete your details below to apply for our Foundation Learning courses.
We want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the right decision about where the person you care for studies after leaving school. To make sure we provide the right support and guidance for the person you care for, we recommend you come along to one of our events.
You can also get in touch with our tutors Heidi and Faye who can help support:
Assisted Learning Support (ALS)
View our events here.
Can a young person access vocational options?
How many hours a week will the course run?
My young person suffers from anxiety, can they follow a reduced timetable?
What are the progression opportunities?
We have a number of different options; a young person may remain with us for more than a year, depending on their need. Or they can progress to mainstream, either a skills based course such as catering or hairdressing, or a more vocational route such as health and social care, media, or any other suitable course.
They may progress onto our supported internship and move on to paid employment.
A small number of our students will progress to Adult Social Care.
Can young people get transport to college?
Apply Now
Additional Links
Looking for something else?
Here are some links you might find useful.
And don’t forget, we’re always happy to help, so feel free to get in touch.