Supported Studies (SEN)

After completing a supported studies programme, you will be able to progress onto another supported studies programme, a mainstream NHC programme of study, community learning or directly enter supported employment.

You may have an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP), which will contain specific aims relating to education, physical and emotional health, employment, independent living, friendships and full participation in society. We are fully committed to providing appropriate provision which encompasses all relevant aspects of your plan to address the agenda for Preparing for Adulthood and post 16 SEND legislation.

• Active learning: Our programme revolves around a series of projects that mean you will be actively involved in each session either working as a part of a team or on your own.
• Employability skills: You will take part in activities to help you develop your employability skills including English, maths and ICT. These skills will help you build your confidence and independence, as well as helping you prepare for the world of work.
• Work-related learning: Our dedicated team of tutors will work closely with you to assess your individual needs, abilities and interests. Once you are ready, and where appropriate, we will aim to offer you a placement in an appropriate work setting. You will be accompanied to interviews, receive job coaching as well as travel training.
• Community: You will spend plenty of time outside the classroom working on community projects with students from across NHC and with local employers.
• Sport and wellbeing: Every week you will take part in a wide variety of sport and social activities including dodgeball, Zumba, football and bowling.
• Trips and visits: You will be able to participate in our annual summer camp, spending one night and two days at a scout camp as well as many other trips throughout the year to tourist and leisure attractions.
• Student support: Your personal tutor will help you set and achieve your long-term goals and support you with life both in and out of NHC by managing attendance, workload and communication between home and college.

• Life Skills: The aim of the programme is to develop confidence, social skills and self-esteem to enable you to live independently. You will learn practical maths skills covering the topics of time, money and numbers, and you will improve your communication skills in English. ICT is a big part of the programme and you will learn how to email, use Microsoft Office, browse the internet and use different computer software. We will also teach you cookery skills so that you can budget and shop for ingredients, prepare meals and eat healthily.
• Aspire: This programme is designed for young people with severe learning difficulties, working at entry level one and two who aspire to develop independence and employability skills at College.
• North East Transition (NET): This offsite programme is designed for young people, aged 16-19, with moderate learning difficulties that require support in transition from school to college, based on the Valley School site, close to the Stevenage Campus.
• Work Skills and Work Progression: You will undertake ICT, English and maths classes with other supported studies students to develop important functional skills at a level and pace that are suitable for you. You will undertake units in applying for a job, preparing for an interview, working as part of a team and effective communication, as well as completing vocational tasters on other NHC programmes.
• Animal Care: On this programme you will learn about different types of animals, build your understanding of workplace safety, improve your personal manner, communication and behaviour at work and help with animal feeding and accommodation.
• Horticulture: You will learn about horticulture through theoretical and practical sessions. Units of study include recognising, watering, preparing and planting plants and flowers, constructing a composter and identifying hazards. You will also learn how to work safely and as part of a team, as well as how to manage money and your relationships with colleagues.
• Retail: On this programme you won’t just be sitting in a classroom - you will be out and about in the community and collaborating with lots of different people. You will cover employability, retail theory and work practice. You will work with customers, use ICT in the workplace, effectively communicate with others and manage money.
• Supported Internships: Supported internships are a new type of work programme, developing across the country to offer similar opportunities such as national traineeships.