Course Overview

This programme is aimed at meeting the needs of individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities and severe learning disabilities.

Applicants must have an Education, Care and Health Plan to start the course, and the main aim of the programme is to support the transition from school, through college, to future life. You will have the opportunity to develop your communication and life skills. This is achieved by offering a differentiated curriculum designed to meet your individual needs. You will have the opportunity to make choices in both class-based and realistic settings such as the College Restaurant, Learning Resource Centre and out in the community. You will have opportunity to work with skilled and experienced staff, in a specialist environment.

Your tutor and the learning support team will work with you to create an individualised programme to help you to build on transferable skills that will enable you to become confident in the wider community. We offer intensive interaction sessions using Somerset Total Communication and Symwriter, alongside assistive technology to enable you to develop in a way that suits you.

A multi-sensory approach is used in learning situations which can include:

• Baking
• Life skills
• Horticulture
• Sessions in the sensory room

Assessment Methods

You will take part in an initial assessment to establish your starting point and, with support, agree your individual learning aims. You will be assessed through continuous one-to-one observation and by building a portfolio of evidence using photographs, tapes and video. Your progress will be monitored using RARPA (Recognising and Recording Progress and Achievement).

Progression Options

You may have the opportunity to progress further within the Choices for Independence programme and, if appropriate, go on to the Progression for an Active Life course. On completion, you will be better able to communicate your needs.