Our Local Offer for Young People with Learning Difficulties, Disabilities and Health Condition
The South Thames Colleges Group consists of Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College and South Thames College.
We all work very closely with the Local Authority and the Preparing for Adulthood Agenda to provide a much needed and high quality provision for South West London.
We welcome all learners to our fully inclusive environment and provide guidance and support to ensure that our young people are successful in their chosen pathways.
There are three main pathways for learners requiring additional learning support:
- Study programmes with learning support
- Supported Learning (discrete provision for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities)
- The Aurora Centre for students with autistic spectrum disorder and complex needs
How will the College be able to support you?
Our group of Colleges can support you in three different ways: in-class support; out of class support; and exam concession assessment.
In-class support is provided to ensure that you have the opportunity to be successful within delivered sessions. Support may be provided in the form of a note-taker, reader, communicator or practical support, along with encouragement to enable you to fully participate in curriculum activities and opportunities.
Out of class support is designed to provide you with the necessary skills to become independent within college, in your personal life and for the future. Individual programmes are devised by our highly qualified and experienced tutors to develop and nurture your academic, social and emotional well-being.
Our Colleges will also be able to support you through identifying your best starting point for further education; this may be achieved through one or more of the following:
- Transition planning
- EHC Plans
- Interviews
- BKSB English and maths assessments
- Progress review meetings
- Application information
Our Colleges also offer provision for learners with specific Autistic Spectrum conditions. This provision is dedicated to ensuring that the needs of young people with social and communication difficulties are met, using identified strategies to deliver a fully inclusive experience. Our Curriculum is designed around the individual Learner and achievement is assessed following the Learner’s aspirations.
How will your learning and support needs be met?
When applying to our Colleges, you can tell us if you think you might require additional support – there is a section on the College application form where full details can be provided.
You, your family, your school or local authority need to send us a copy of your Educational Health and Care Plan and any other documents explaining the support you currently receive.
How do we ensure your transition is successful from school to college?
We will establish communications with your School from Year 9, which may include attending reviews with your School and/or Local Authority. We will work in close liaison with your School so we will get to know you and how to best meet your education/support needs.
We will discuss and identify a progression pathway which best matches your desired outcomes. You will be given the opportunity to experience your chosen College through organised visits.
During your first 6 weeks initial assessment period at College, we will ensure that your chosen programme of study best matches your desired progression pathway to enable you to work towards your desired goals.
You and your parents, carers, and advocates will be invited to a Progress Review meeting before October half-term to agree your planned progression.
Moving from College to the next stage of your life
In your final year of study with us, we will work with you and your family to identify an appropriate progression route for you after College. This might include working with external organisations to help you find suitable supported living accommodation and/or local voluntary or work opportunities.
Providing for specific learning/support needs?
Our Colleges have a wide range of highly experienced and qualified staff who are comprehensively trained in a variety of specialist areas.
In addition, all staff within the Colleges Group receives regular training and updates on key issues relating to learning needs, support needs, well-being needs and safeguarding.
