The work and independence programme at our Walford site is for young adults, aged 16–25 years, with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Learning activities are tailored around the needs, interests and aspirations of each young person.
When your young person has built key skills, they can progress to internal, and then external work experience placements.
Learning activities include horticulture and grounds work through the student-led enterprise ‘Leaf it to Us’, as well as wellbeing sessions, including sports.
Through a variety of taught and practical activities, students learn skills in the following areas:
- Functional skills (English, maths, communication and ICT)
- Team work and problem solving
- Travel training (for access to work and the community)
- Community access, including shopping, budgeting and personal safety
- Personal, social and health education (PSHE), including healthy living, online safety, relationships and wellbeing
- Health and safety in all aspects of life
In addition to increased skills, your young person will gain:
- Vital skills for the next stage of their lives
- Increased independence
- Work experience through a range of work placements linked to their aspirations
- A tailored vocational qualification
- Subject-specific qualifications, eg, food hygiene, customer service
- The opportunity to compete in local and national skills competitions
- The opportunity to participate in Derwen College’s Student Union Board events and activities
On completion of this programme, your young person could progress to:
- Further training, for example, a supported internship
- Paid work
- Voluntary work
- Supported living
