South Thames Colleges Group Foundation Learning / SEND

South Thames Colleges Group (STCG) is committed to providing training and work experience opportunities for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The focus of our study programmes is to embed independence and employability skills to enable our learners to secure positive and meaningful progression. This could be into independent living, or into the workplace through vocational study within other specialist areas within a College.

As a College Group we believe that young adults should be respected and have their individual choices, needs and aspirations reflected in the education opportunities made available to them. We encourage independence in all our learners and support them to achieve their full potential by providing:

• Themed learning areas with interactive and assistive technology
• Independent living activities including food preparation and gardening
• The use of local leisure facilities
• Access to vocational subjects within the main college site
• Work experience and enterprise activities
• High levels of support and specialised services
• Target outcomes based on the individual learner’s EHCP
• Aspirational teaching from a dedicated team

Based on an assessment the learner will receive a curriculum programme tailored to meet their specific needs around the preparing for adulthood agenda. Our team will liaise closely with parents and carers to make sure that learning is transferred from College to home.

Our programmes are available at:

Carshalton College

Kingston College

Merton College 

South Thames College (Wandsworth Campus).

Foundation Learning Courses

• Aurora Provision

  The Aurora provision is South Thames Colleges Group's specialist, non-residential FE centre for young adults with moderate to severe learning disabilities who may have Autism, behaviours of concern or complex support needs. The provision is based at Merton College.

  The Aurora provision contains eight learning areas and is situated predominantly in a quiet area on the College site, adjacent to attractive parkland. It has its own dedicated entrance, a garden, kitchen, laundry facilities, and large greenhouse. It has access to a dedicated common room and quiet area and allows students to select their preferred area for lunch etc.

  The provision is designed to be a safe, secure and welcoming environment for our students. They share a dedicated specialist team who work together to deliver bespoke education, therapy and training for young adults from 16 to 25 years of age.

• Personal Progress

  This course enables students to develop communication skills through team games, sport, arts and crafts, as well as accessing local leisure facilities. Students will undertake several enterprise activities. Community projects are an important part of learning; where students focus their development on what facilities are available within the local community, personal safety and leaning about the town and how to access essential items for independence. Flexibility is the keyword to your learning.

• Independence Skills

  This course focuses on developing Social Skills, independence in the home and introducing attributes needed for work. It also encourages and supports student progression to higher courses. This course enables individuals to function meaningfully, productively and as independently as possible in their communities. It provides an environment and a range of opportunities which students can develop.

• Employability and Progression Skills

  This course will allow learners the opportunity to experience some of the varied vocational areas the college has to offer as well as improving their English, Maths, ICT and Employability Skills; enable learners to take advantage of all the facilities we have to offer, e.g. catering/hospitality and sport. Learners will be supported and encouraged to undertake a work experience placement for at least one day a week.

• Ticket to Level 1

  Prepares students for transition from the Foundation Learning Provision to Level 1 vocational areas. 

  For learners who may need support prior to entry into a Level 1 programme.

  Learners will benefit from the support of a specialist team where they will complete their English and Mathematics qualifications in addition to building on existing skills and achieving new targets.

  Learners should be working at Entry Level 2 or above and need a commitment to completing the course. Suitability for the programme will be assessed both before joining and during the first six weeks of the course.

• Supported Internship

  This programme is designed to enable learners to progress into sustained employment. Following an initial assessment of six weeks, the student will be placed with an employer that matches or is related to the needs and wishes of the student. Learning will take place both on the job and in the College training facilities with Maths and English being embedded at the appropriate level. Qualification opportunities are provided in line with the requirements of the job role. Dedicated tutor support provides for an excellent experience, enabling the internee to succeed.

  A desire to become employed and develop skills needed to achieve this. Students who are aged 16-24 and currently hold an Education, Health and Care Plan.