Promoting Independence

Promoting Independence
Supported Learners

Qualification
College Certificate
Open College Network South East Region (OCNSER) Units
English Speaking Board (ESB) Certificate
Attendance
5 days per week: Monday - Thursday 10am - 3pm and Friday 10am - 2pm
Duration
1 Year
Description of the Course
For students to become more aware of independence issues and by the end of the course students will be able to take part in some independent activities.
Course content
Building on independence skills already acquired, the course is based upon further developing independence and life skills. It will provide the opportunity for students to develop skills through practical activities directly related to the world around them. The timetable will be structured to allow students to work on tasks and activities on a day/session basis. This will give students the support and time they require to work on practical tasks that will allow them to develop individually and as part of a team. Students are encouraged to take more responsibility for making decisions about activities which can move them on in their learning.
Students will learn through practical tasks, which will include:-

· Travel Training
· Money Management
· Communication Skills
· Independence Skills at Home
· Meal Preparation
· Team Work
· Personal Health & Safety
· Personal Presentation
· Creativity

Students are taught in small groups with support from a classroom assistant during all classes and break times.

The course aims to:-

· Enable students to have opportunities to further develop practical independence skills in a supported environment.
· Equip students with the skills which will empower them to access more control over their own lives.
· Further develop students abilities to communicate.

Assessment
Formal assessment through OCNSER and ESB Certificates. Students will have a portfolio of criteria that will be used to continually log and celebrate their successes. This logbook of statements will clearly map out progression and inform practical planning, targeting and teaching. It will also provide evidence of achievement that will assist in making plans for the future.
Who is the course for?
The course is designed for students with severe learning difficulties who possess some literacy and numeracy skills from Milestone 5 onwards. Students will continue to need support for their social and emotional development and may have complex health/physical needs. Ideally the course would be accessed after the Supported Independence course where students will already have had opportunities to begin to develop the skills which this course builds upon.
Entry requirements
No formal qualifications
What can I do after this course?
Students can progress onto the Workability course within the Foundation Skills department.
Other information
Staffing
It is anticipated that each group would have a maximum of 8 students. Students will have a group tutor who will be responsible for the well being of each individual, providing pastoral support where necessary. Students will be taught, in the main, by their tutor. Each tutor group will have a group learning support worker to assist students in their learning.

Cost
Tuition Fee 615
Registration 30.75
Additional costs
£3.00 per week for meal preparation class.
Fares for travel: most of these can be avoided by acquiring a freedom pass.
Start
September
Course Code
SA1002