Independent Living Pathway

Programme Purpose: (Intent)

The Towards Independent Living Pathway is for our young people with a range of disabilities and support needs who are developing the skills and knowledge they need to live as independent an adult life as possible. The Pathway prepares each young person for their next step into life beyond Newfriars College and into adulthood. Each young person participates in a varied curriculum offer which is built around the skills each individual young person needs to for their future that are transferable into adulthood.

Programme Format: (Implementation)

Each young person will participate in a structured curriculum offer working with other young people in small groups. The aim is to provide each young person with a broad range of learning opportunities that focus on the skills and knowledge needed in adulthood. As far as possible the aspirations and interests of each young person are taken into account when building their timetable from the overall Pathway offer.

Our young people will be out in the community as well as engaging in a College based programme which will include access to our gym, pool and additional therapies as appropriate. Where appropriate our young people can access work experience and work placements.

Programme Content:

The Pathway programme is focussed on Preparation for Adulthood: independent living skills, community inclusion and good health as well each young person’s EHCP Outcomes across the four categories of an EHCP: Cognition and Learning; Communication and Interaction; Social, Emotional and Mental Health; and Sensory and Physical. In addition, each young person’s curriculum will cover: communication and friendships; everyday English, Maths and IT; wellbeing and relationships as well as access to our enrichment offer.

Over their time at the College, our young people will take part in enterprise and vocational learning; community based experiences; communication focussed sessions supporting young people to be able to communicate their personal needs, wishes and choices; and Good Health.

Our young people engage in enjoyable and purposeful lessons including cooking, breakfast club, daily life skills, communication, working together and team building. Our young people access meaningful activities which build confidence and develop skills necessary for a smooth transition for the next part of their journey into adulthood.

In addition, young people on our Towards Independent Living Pathway will access additional therapies depending on their individual needs.

Programme Impact:

The Towards Independent Living Pathway is a vibrant and interactive pathway where each young person takes part in a varied programme all about getting ready for adulthood. Levels of independence are tracked and recorded. The College uses an ‘Evidence for Learning App’ to track individual progress built from photographs, video and feedback from the teaching and support teams. Parents/Carers will be given a personal log-in to access ‘Evidence for Learning’ to be able to see the progress of their son/daughter at any point.

Our aim is to prepare each of our young people to access a rich, purposeful adult life where they are able to participate in their community; communicate their needs and wishes; and, to enjoy a full and happy adult life.

Accreditation:

Newfriars College Step Up 2-4