Our programmes are designed to enable learners to develop a wide range of skills, maximising their potential for involvement in the community, allowing them to live more independently and, where possible, access voluntary or paid employment. We work with individuals, carers and other agencies to tie educational objectives to other goals including Person-Centred Plans. College learning goals are also related to targets drawn from the National Curriculum for Literacy and Numeracy and teachers use these targets in planning their lessons and as a means of monitoring and recording learners’ progress. All learning goals are reviewed regularly and, once achieved, are replaced with new or amended targets.

We have a well qualified staff team with a variety of skills and specialisms, enabling us to offer learners a wide range of experiences. Where possible we use work-related projects such as catering, animal care or recycling as vehicles for learning and we are dedicated to providing learners the opportunity to learn real skills in real-life situations. We have recently introduced a retail venture in the form of an on-site shop (aptly named Inspire) which is run by Entry Level learners and which has among its stock a selection of fantastic gifts, cards, cakes and snacks made by our art, textiles and catering groups. Some provision is aimed at particular groups of learners such as the 18-25 E2i (Entry to Independence) group and the over-50s. Currently we are unable to offer provision for learners with severe and multiple disabilities.

We constantly aim to involve adults with learning difficulties in the wider life of the College. In addition to catering and environmental projects, learners also take part in a variety of activities alongside students from across the College, both on-site and at events such as charity fundraising walks. We also try to challenge learners by introducing activities they have not previously experienced, including martial arts and IT classes.

We provide an excellent level of support to enable both access to and achievement on our programmes. All adults with learning difficulties are allocated a tutor whose role includes liaison with other stakeholders to ensure that educational and social needs are being consistently addressed. We have a dedicated team of learning support staff who work with lecturers to support the needs of learners throughout their day at College and strive to provide a structured, welcoming, safe and stimulating learning environment.