A programme of consolidation and training within a structured environment which:
The College is committed to working with Social Care Providers and Health Services to develop and implement a provision that fully meets the needs of young adults with learning disabilities. The programme ensures early and effective transition planning, good support for individuals and their families, and enables them to achieve full citizenship related to their abilities and expectations.
The Trainee and Transitions programme is open to learners who have already completed further education or those who want to pursue social development without the restrictions of an educational course of study. Where individuals have yet to achieve their appropriate level of independence or social development prior to enrolling on the programme, the college can offer an Introductory Year prior to moving onto the full Trainee and Transition Programme.
This Introductory Year helps individuals gain the necessary experiences and independence skills required to move forward to the full programme with a syllabus that offers a higher degree of support and flexibility with a strong emphasis on person centred coaching and tutoring from the learning and residential teams.
It is envisaged that a trainee will be enrolled on this programme for a minimum of two years, with extensions being considered, as appropriate, up until the year in which the trainee is 25. Extensions will also be considered beyond 25 where the trainee can still benefit from the programme.
The needs and wishes of young people reaching adulthood and coming through transition into the adult world are the focus for this person centred development programme.
The programme is targeted at young adults with moderate to severe, multiple learning disabilities who are seeking the opportunity to develop their skills and abilities to access lifelong learning, training and preparation for meaningful work and possible employment as well as accessing mainstream services for sport, leisure and recreation in the wider community, with support.
The programme is predominantly accessed as a residential service where individuals undertake formal learning activities across a range of development areas such as Work Related Training, Daily Living Skills and Access to Leisure. The programme is also offered as a day placement programme where individuals will be integrated into a community life within the college in order to develop the same range of skills.
Within the Trainee and Transition Programme all individuals are offered a person-centred approach in the creation of their personal development path which will be continued throughout the service they receive.
Young People enrolled on the programme have access to individually targeted activities and work opportunities to maximise their potential. The activities that are available include:
It is the belief of the college that many of our young adults with learning difficulties have aspirations to have paid jobs. It is with this understanding that we offer a wide range of activities to develop the necessary skills that they can offer on the labour market.
For others, employment may not be an aim, but receiving training to be able to make a meaningful contribution to small and large tasks is of vital importance to improve self esteem and to be a productive member of society.
Trainees are offered training that helps them to do tasks and jobs that suit their skills and interests.
Training may be delivered on site or at a suitably sourced and assessed workplace via work experience within the local or wider community. Our curriculum of activities currently includes Farm and Industry, Estate Management, Gardening, Work Experience, Team Enterprise, Duke of Edinburgh Gateway, ICT & Media, Motorshop, Shop & Retail and Sport and Leisure.
Trainees have the opportunity to learn to shop, cook, clean, budget and manage ordinary daily lives according to their ability, including developing communication skills when dealing with correspondence etc (where appropriate) as part of an accredited programme of Independent Living Skills (ILS). These activities are undertaken through a thorough syllabus of activities throughout the day, which for our residential trainees, is reinforced via additionally assessed activities in their residential houses, e.g. visits to local towns and cities, trips to the cinema, evenings in the local pub, attendance at sporting events, weekend shopping trips and attending personal appointments.
Our ILS syllabus ensures that Trainees have ongoing opportunities to integrate into the wider community and develop skills to enable them to access appropriately supported living opportunities. To achieve this, socialisation, the ability to manage in a diversity of different life, learning and work situations is an important part of our syllabus, enabling individuals to operate in a variety of situations after leaving the college.
Trainees enrolled on the programme have access to social, work and leisure activities that meet their needs and personal wishes for development. The programme acknowledges that young adults can attain progression of personal development through a range of accredited learning activities alongside learning and exploring a variety of skills or subjects for their own enjoyment. A range of subjects and activities are available to individuals in a way that is appropriate and accessible.
Safeguarding is central to the development and transition process for our young adults, including supporting them in understanding citizenship and securing their own understanding of abuse and neglect.
Trainees are encouraged to take an active role in developing the provisions of the college and are inspired to consider more fully how they would wish to spend their leisure time, given support to access community facilities and encouragement to take up healthy lifestyles and work preparation activities.
Transition into adult life is challenging and requires gentle support as well as opportunities for taking time out. The life in the community is particularly suited to allow each one to develop and learn at their own pace whilst at the same time being a valued member of the household or team.
Small and large achievements are celebrated, and a wide variety of community events give each one a strong sense of belonging, of safety. It is this that enables our young people to develop self confidence to take on new challenges.
The Person Centred Planning approach is fundamental to identifying needs, choices, aspirations and challenges. Each trainee has a Personal Training Plan outlining individualised content and outcomes which will be compiled during the first four weeks of the programme. The coverage will be tailored to the needs of the individual.
Wherever beneficial, OCN or other appropriate accreditation will be sought.
Personal care and hygiene
Nutrition and food preparation
Health and Safety at home
Laundry, cleaning
Wider community skills
Traffic awareness
Using public transport
Money handling skills
Paying bills, learning to budget
Making appointments
Interaction with others
Making choices
Speaking up for myself
Voting
Personal aspirations and self-reflection (understanding what is realistic)
Advocacy and/or self-advocacy
Understanding my rights
Understanding discrimination
Citizenship/Being a good neighbour
Current affairs/awareness of the world
Relationships and Sex Education
Socialization
Planning for the future
Basic skills
Vocational training (as identified for the individual)
On-site work experience
External work experience (wherever possible)
Volunteering
Further development of transferable skills
Putting skills into context, understanding responsibilities, exploring the world of work, etc.
Craft activities
Eurythmy/drama
Leisure activities
Cultural and spiritual life
Community life (festivals, social opportunities, working together)
All these facets should contribute to maturity of the individual and the development of confidence and independence.
