supported learning prospectus 2016:17

supported learning course guide 2017:18

supported learning

All About Supported Learning

Welcome to Supported LearningWhy Choose Us?Taster & Tour Days Financial SupportYour Day at CollegeThey Said...Application Process The Woodlands CentreCourses & RoutesTravelling to the College

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We help you prepare for moving on to independent living, employment or further education

contentsCourses

Life Skills Supported Life Skills Life and Living SkillsPreparation for Independence

EmploymentSkills for Independence & WorkIntroduction to WorkSupported Work Skills

Stepping Into Further Education Vocational Preparation

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We pride ourselves on the level of support we offer our students. From course and careers advice, to tutorials, additional learning support and counselling, we’ve got it covered.

We are fully committed to widening participation and supporting students with a wide range of learning difficulties and disabilities. Students with dyslexia, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, emotional or behavioural difficulties, have access to individual support and specialist help where needed (occupational therapists and speech and language therapists).

The Woodlands Centre, an exciting new Supported Learning Centre opened on our Merrist Wood College site in October 2015. This centre provides a safe and secure learning environment for students with severe and complex learning difficulties and disabilities.

Our specialist teachers are highly experienced and we work closely with you, your family/carers and the other professionals involved in your life to ensure you have the support and structure you need to be successful.

You will be taught in group sizes of between 8 and 12 and every lesson has a tutor and a learning support assistant to work with you. The learning support assistants are also there to help you with transport and at break and lunch times.

welcome

joanna waltersHead of Learning & Standards for Supported Learning

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Exciting new Supported Learning Centre at Merrist Wood CollegeThe Woodlands Centre opened in October 2015 and includes a sensory room, specially equipped classrooms, garden areas, independent living area and a therapy room.

Enterprise Zone at Guildford CollegeYou’ll have the opportunity to experience working in a retail and catering environment in our on-site café, The Tea Room, with support from a tutor.

Diverse CurriculumWe’ve got the resources and workshops to teach subjects you may not have experienced before.

Focused on YouOur smaller class sizes mean you get more personal help and attention.

ProgressionIf you do well on your course, you may be able to progress on to the next level.

whyChoose Us?

Real Life Experience atGuildford CollegeYou’ll be learning in realistic home and working environments, so our courses give you a real-life experience of a more independent life.

SupportYou’ll have dedicated support from our Supported Learning Team while at the College and we’ll liaise regularly with your parents/carers and other professionals in your life to keep them up to date with your progress.

Be part of College LifeWe encourage all students to get involved in College life. You could be a Student Rep, stand for office or take part in the Student Voices Conference.

Staff with Specialist TrainingOur fully trained staff, regularly undertake additional development, including MAPA, Positive Touch, TEACCH, PECS, Makaton, Social stories, Behaviour management, Autism awareness and PDA.

supported learning course guide

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whyChoose Us?

Taster days at Guildford and Merrist Wood College help you to find out more about College life and help us to find out more about you. We’ll assess you to find out which course suits you best. We have set aside some time for each taster experience, which will continue throughout the year. These days will allow you to experience the courses you are hoping to apply for.

If you are thinking of studying on one of our Supported Learning programmes in September 2017, please book a taster session to come and meet our experienced teams here at the Colleges.

To book a place on a taster experience, arrange an assessment, or a tour of the Supported Learning Centres, please email: Lisa Robertson at [email protected] or contact her by telephone on 01483 44 85 56

For any further details please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to the College!

taster & Tour days

OUR SMALLER CLASS SIZES MEAN YOU GET MORE PERSONAL HELP AND ATTENTION

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College Bursary and Support FundIf you have a low household income or your household is dependent on state benefits you could be entitled to receive the following support:

� College Maintenance Bursary - this is an attendance based bursary of between £200 and £650 to help pay towards your college and travel expenses.

� College Support Fund - this is a fund designed to offer support towards the cost of materials associated with your course.

� Enhanced Support Bursary - this bursary of £1,200 is for students who are in care, care leavers, on income support in their own right or in receipt of Disability Living Allowance and Employment Support Allowance to help them overcome barriers to learning.

Gym Students get reduced membership fees at ActivZone, the health and fitness centre at Guildford. For more information Tel: 01483 44 86 66 or visit www.activzone.co.uk

Free LunchesIf you are aged 16 to 18 years of age you could receive funding to purchase a meal at a College food outlet on days you are at College. To be eligible you need to have a household income of less than £16,190, be in receipt of Child Tax Credits and in receipt of, or a dependent of someone on a qualifying benefit.

Hair and Beauty Treatments

You can get haircuts, styles and beauty treatments at rock bottom prices at Salon in the Park at Guildford College. To book call; Beauty Salon Tel: 01483 44 87 77 Hair Salon Tel: 01483 44 86 55

For more information about any of the above contact our Student Services Team Tel: 01483 44 85 85

financial support


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Materials FeesMaterials fees are a set of charges that you will need to pay before you start your course in September. The materials fees you pay cover the cost of all of your day trips that you will participate in during your course for the whole academic year, such as visits to the cinema, bowling, restaurants, visits to different town centres, public transport costs etc.

Trips happen on a weekly basis and by paying your fees upfront this saves us from having to send letters home each week telling you how much to bring in. You also won’t need to remember to bring in the money for each trip every time your group goes out.

Your materials fees also cover the costs of the ingredients you will use and eat each week in your meal preparation lesson, as you will be preparing your lunch one day a week in college. Again, this saves you from having to remember to bring in your money each week Included in the materials fees is a charge for any protective clothing you will need e.g. apron, safety boots etc.

You will be advised of the material fees for your course when you are offered a place.

Worried you can’t afford to go to College? We can help. There are bursaries and other support funds available for some students

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your day at college


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they said...

OFSTEDOfsted judgement: Good

� A high proportion of learners achieve their qualifications, and improve their personal, social and employability skills

� Programmes are well designed, particularly those leading to vocational and work-related outcomes

� Learners enjoy beneficial and relevant work experience with external employers

� Skilled teachers plan learning well with a good focus on specific learning targets, for every learner

� Learners develop good listening and speaking skills, and demonstrate consideration and respect for others in conversation

� Teachers focus very well on developing the ability of learners to make choices so that they become more confident in their decision-making

� Additional support from speech and language therapists and occupational therapists contributes substantially to learners’ welfare and progress

� Learners benefit from good transition arrangements between school and college


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“Alex has shown development in a number of areas this year. Particularly his maturity, understanding

and independence.”

“Molly is more independent and determined in communicating her wants and needs - using objects of reference, seeking out an adult’s help and even directing an adult. Overall it feels as though she is more part of our world and part of all our conversations. We have noted some real progress which must be attributable to the work done at college.”

“Stella is more confident in her day to day

interactions and activities. Stella was given the chance to be a

Student Representative, which she is proud of and also made

us very happy.”

“Finlay is enthusiastic about his college course

and always wants to share what he has been doing each day. He talks about

his friends too.”

PARENTS

“Bradley seems a little more confident in himself but does still

need a lot more encouragement. He has been to the cinema with a friend on his own and travels to and from college by himself, which are big

steps for him.”

“The Supported Learning team have helped bridge the

enormous gap between a special school and college.”“Lewis seems to

of matured and listens more.”

“Louise is treated as an individual and

encouraged, she feels a valued member of

the College.”

“Amber has gained a lot of confidence since

attending Guildford College, the tutors have all been very approachable and quick to

respond to issues.”

“Jodie has become a confident young

lady, clearly trying to communicate more.”

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Choose your CourseSpeak to your parents/carers and other professionals involved in helping you make decisions, to choose which course would be most suitable for you.

Come to an Open EventVisit us on one of our College Open Events to get more information about the courses and the College. For more information or to register please see our website at: www.guildford.ac.uk

ApplyThere are two ways that you could apply to the College:

application process

Fill out a college application form and send it directly back to us either by email:[email protected] by dropping it in or posting it to Admissions, Guildford College, Stoke Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1EZ.

Through your Pathways Team/Adviser at your local authority. They will send us a copy of yoursigned EHCP1. 2.


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What is an EHCP? If you have previously had a statement of Educational Needs, you should have transferred over to an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP).

As part of the final review/transfer meeting for your EHCP, you will be asked to name your preferred educational provider. If you choose the Guildford College Group then your EHCP will be sent to us by your local authorities Pathways Team.

You will either be invited in for taster days or a member of our Supported Learning team will come and visit you in your current educational placement so that we can meet you and talk to your teachers/support staff about your education and support needs.

After these taster days or visit to your educational placement have taken place, the college will let your Pathways Adviser from your local authority know in writing if you are going to be offered a place.

If you are 19 years or over, you will need an EHCP in order to have a fully funded course. This means that if you have an EHCP, you will not have to pay for course tuition fees.

An EHCP also allows the college to provide you with additional learning support that you may require such as occupational therapy, physio therapy, any specialist equipment, speech and language therapy and learning support assistants.

If you don’t have an EHCP then please contact us directly.

EnrolYou will be invited to an early induction day in July where you can get to know your tutor and the other students in your group, and also enrol on your course.

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CurriculumOur curriculum encompasses functional skills; English, maths, money skills and ICT with life skills and vocational opportunities such as animal care, gardening, art, meal preparation, nature studies, sports and many more. Some of you may undertake formal qualifications at Entry Level 1 to Entry Level 3, whilst for others progression is tracked using RARPA. We link with other curriculum areas at Merrist Wood College and our students are very much an integral part of the community.

The Woodlands Centre also provides therapies such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language, where these are part of a young person’s EHCP. Our team will work closely with therapists to ensure a smooth and continual integration within the college day.

Entry requirement: A school/college report and a EHCP may be a requirement, based on your support needs.

The Woodlands Centre at Merrist Wood College provides a safe and secure learning environment for learners with severe and complex learning, social and communication difficulties.

FacilitiesWithin the building there are a variety of facilities for students to access:

� Designated dropping off zone within the secure grounds of the centre

� Sensory room� Classrooms that have their own

garden areas� Sensory garden and communal garden

area which incorporates the ancient Merrist Wood woodland

� Meal preparation kitchen � Therapy room� Group room � One-to-one room� A central communal area for students

which includes a library � Disabled toilets� Wet room facilities which include

changing beds

the woodlands centre


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new!

Visits to The Woodlands Centre are welcomed and can

be booked through Lead Tutor, Lisa Robertson, please email [email protected]

or call 01483 88 85 86

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supported learning courses & routes at guildford collegecourses are offered at various levels, allowing you to move forward to reach your goals.


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life skillscurriculum strand

employmentcurriculum strand

vocationalcurriculum strand

Supported Life Skills

Skills for Independence and Work Preparation

Vocational Preparation

Life and Living Skills

Introductionto Work

Entry Level 3or

Level 1 courses

Preparation for Independence

SupportedWork

Supported livingenvironment

Employment or referral to an external

agency/provision

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life skillscurriculum strand


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life skills hese courses are

designed for those with learning difficulties and disabilities to gain more independence, learn life and living skills and progress into a supported living environment. Topics include: meal preparation, independence skills, enterprise, communication, travel and leisure and money.

Courses:� Supported Life Skills Entry Level

� Life and Living Skills Entry Level

� Preparation for Independence Entry Level

TProgression:Towards the end of the year, you will have a review with your personal tutor and you will be able to invite your parents/carers and any other professionals that are involved in your life. It is at this review that your tutor will advise you of your next step and the possible courses that may be available to you.

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Supported Life SkillsDo you want to increase your independence and confidence? This course will help you to develop the skills you need to reduce your dependency on others and help you to make a positive contribution to your community.

Subject areas:� Independent Choices � Citizenship � English � Enterprise � ICT � Maths � Meal Preparation and

Independence Skills � Tutorial� Personal Development

entry level 1-3 (depending on ability and previous qualifications)

This course is tailored around you and is designed to support your progression through to the next stage in your life. You’ll get the opportunity to engage and participate in a wide variety of practical and academic activities with support. You’ll also develop your social and emotional skills in a supportive learning environment. The College will provide a supportive, stimulating and realistic environment to enable you to gain the essential skills needed to function independently.

Suitable for: Those who have a learning difficulty or disability and who prefer to learn in a small group with high levels of support.

Duration: 16 hours a week, for one academic year (36 weeks).

Entry requirements: There are no formal entry requirements for this course. A school/college report and a EHCP may be a requirement, based on your support needs. Your suitability for this course will be determined by our staff after attending a Taster Experience. You will need to be able to access the College environment and facilities in an appropriate manner.

Qualification: You will study and gain an entry level qualification in life skills that meets your individual needs. The level of qualification you study will be dependent on what you have previously achieved and our assessment of your needs and requirements.


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Life and Living Skills Do you want to build on your prior learning of essential skills? This course will further develop your personal and practical work skills and offers a progression route along which you can move at your own pace.

Subject areas:� Citizenship � English� Enterprise � ICT� Independence Skills � Maths � Meal Preparation � Independent Choices� Personal Development/

Setting Own Goals� Tutorial


This course will continue to build on your independence skills. You’ll be able to participate in activities and access the curriculum and College with some level of support from staff. This course will help you to make more informed and appropriate choices and decisions.





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“My best lesson is working in the Tea Room. Some people work at the back of

the kitchen and some people work at the front. It will be good when I go to work.”

Yeukal


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preparation for independenceGet prepared for the outside world. This course provides a transition to education and employment by helping to boost your confidence in different working environments.

Subject areas:� Accessing the Community � Citizenship � English � Enterprise/Work Skills � ICT � Maths � Meal Preparation and

Independent Living Skills � Personal Development and

Setting Own Goals � Tutorial � Work Skills� Independent Choices


This course will help you transfer the skills that you have previously learnt in to all aspects of your life. We’ll enable you to make informed decisions about your next steps and the opportunities available to you which may include supported living or employment.



Entry requirements: There are no formal entry requirements for this course. A school/college report and a EHCP may be a requirement, based on your support needs.Your suitability for this course will be determined by our staff after attending a Taster Experience. You will need to be able to access the College environment and facilities in an appropriate manner.


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employmentcurriculum strand


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employment

t this level, you can choose from a range of vocational options, learn personal, social and independence skills and gain entry level qualifications. Progression could be to further Supported Learning courses, supported working positions and paid employment. You could work towards qualifications in Work Skills, Personal and Social Development and Skills for Independence and Work.

Progression:Towards the end of the year, you will have a review with your personal tutor and you will be able to invite your parents/carers and any other professionals that are involved in your life. It is at this review that your tutor will advise you of your next step and the possible courses that may be available to you.

a

Courses:� Skills for Independence and Work Preparation

Entry Level

� Introduction to Work Entry Level

� Supported Work Skills Entry Level

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Skills for Independence & WorkThis course serves as a stepping-stone for you to progress on to further studies. It will help you to grow in confidence and begin to prepare you for employment by practising the skills you will need for the world of work.

Subject areas:� Enterprise � Independence Skills � Travelling in your Community � Work Skills � World of Work � Independent Choices


This course will further develop your social and communication skills. You’ll be independently applying skills, knowledge and understanding to a wider range of academic, practical and work-based activities. You’ll also further develop your social, communication and functional skills. The course will enable you to identify and successfully access work opportunities (internally or externally).

Suitable for: This course is suitable for you if you have a learning difficulty or disability and you prefer to learn in a small group, where you will receive support from our highly experienced staff. and wish to progress to the world of work. You should have also successfully completed a number of life skills based courses.


Entry requirements: There are no formal entry requirements for this course. A school/college report and a EHCP may be a requirement, based on your support needs. Your suitability for this course will be determined by our staff after attending a Taster Experience. You need to be working towards travelling independently to and from College and be able to access the College environment and facilities in an appropriate manner.

Qualification: You will study and gain an entry level qualification in work skills that meets your individual needs. The level of qualification you study will be dependent on what you have previously achieved and our assessment of your needs and requirements.


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Introduction to WorkThis course is designed to prepare you for full-time supported work. You’ll have one or two days work experience a week and spend the rest of your time in College undertaking an Entry 3 qualification in employment plus Functional Skills.

Subject areas:� Work Skills � Maintaining Work Standards� Health and Safety � Working with Others� Rights and Responsibilities at Work � Applying for Work


This course is the next level up in preparing for employment. It will further develop your communication and work skills. You’ll be independently applying skills, knowledge and understanding in our activities at work and in your work placements. You’ll have more support than on the Supported Work Skills course as you’ll be visited in your workplace daily.

Suitable for: This course is suitable for students who are ready to go into the workplace but don’t have the skills or confidence to do so without support. There is a level of expectation that you are independently able to manage your own behaviour, time and travel as the College job coach will not be with you all the time that you are on placement.

Duration: 16 hours a week, for one academic year (36 weeks). You’ll also spend one or two days a week on work placement.

Entry requirements: There are no formal entry requirements for this course. A school/college report and a EHCP may be a requirement, based on your support needs. Your suitability for this course will be determined by our staff after attending a Taster Experience. You need to be working towards travelling independently to your work placement and College. You will need to be able to access the College environment and facilities in an appropriate manner.


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Supported Work SkillsThis course has been designed to prepare you for the workplace and will enable you to achieve a nationally-recognised Entry Level 3 Work Skills qualification. You’ll be able to progress to employment in a particular vocational sector or move on to related general and/or vocational qualifications.

Subject areas:� Managing Your Money � Searching for a Job� Applying for Work � Interview Skills� Learning from a Work Placement � Working Together� Speaking Confidently at Work


This course will provide you with the opportunity to develop essential employability skills by getting hands-on work experience in the workplace. You’ll be given the skills required to be successful in the job application process and build on your self-management and independence skills. You will receive weekly visits at your work placement. You must be able to travel to your place of work independently.

Suitable for: This course is suitable for you if you have a learning difficulty or disability and will benefit from some job coaching in a community work placement environment. There is a level of expectation that you are independently able to manage your own behaviour, time and travel as the college job coach will not be with you all the time that you are on placement.

Duration: 16 hours a week, for one academic year (36 weeks). You’ll spend three days a week on a work placement and one day a week at the College.




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“I’ve learnt how to travel to new places.”

Noah

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stepping intofurther educationcurriculum strand


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t this level, you will undertake vocational options, and will also study a range of topics in career preparation, personal and team development skills. You can then move on to further Supported Learning courses or Level 1 mainstream programmes at College. You will also complete Functional Skills in English, Maths and ICT.

Course:� Vocational Preparation Entry Level 3

a Progression:Towards the end of the year, you will have a review with your personal tutor and you will be able to invite your parents/carers and any other professionals that are involved in your life. It is at this review that your tutor will advise you of your next step and the possible courses that may be available to you.

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Vocational PreparationThis copurse allows you to choose a flexible and personalised qualification that provides the opportunity to study units from different vocational areas. You will develop basic skills in communication and literacy, working with numbers and IT and experience different vocational areas to develop appropriate life skills through practical activities.

Subject areas:� Personal Development � Tutorial � Vocational Tasters � Work Skills � Functional Skills - English, Maths & ICT � Independent Choices

entry level 3This course will further develop your knowledge, understanding and skills of different vocational sectors. We’ll help you to progress your personal, social and academic skills to the levels that are required for a vocational course. We’ll also offer you a variety of vocational experiences to help you to make informed decisions about your future.

Suitable for: This course is suitable for you if you have a moderate learning difficulty or disability and you need to improve your personal, social and academic skills before moving on to mainstream courses. You should be able to work independently and manage your own learning with some support.



Qualification: You will study and gain an entry level qualification that will develop your study skills to enable you to progress to a mainstream vocational area the following academic year . The level of qualification you study will be dependent on what you have previously achieved and our assessment of your needs and requirements.


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“The best thing about College is seeing all my friends in the lessons.”

Ashley

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travelling to collegeDrop off and Pick upFor students who cannot travel independently, there is a drop off and pick up point for taxis and cars which is monitored by Supported Learning staff to meet and greet you from your transport at Guildford College and Merrist Wood College.

Travelling by Car or TaxiThe Colleges are easy to reach by road and can be reached via several routes. If you require a taxi to bring you to/from college, you must arrange this directly with your local authority.

Student Train and Bus Fare CardsYoung people studying at Guildford College can apply for a Student Fare Card. These cost £25 and entitle you to a third off travel on trains and half price travel on buses if you live in Surrey (excluding London Boroughs). For further information please visit http://new.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport

If you are aged 16-25 and travelling by train, you may benefit from the Young Persons Rail Card by National Rail.Find out more about this card at www.16-25railcard.co.uk

Travelling by Bus to Guildford CollegeBuses run directly to Guildford College from Guildford Friary Bus Station in Woodbridge Road. Buses run to the Guildford Friary Bus Station from Woking, Farnham, Liphook, Camberley, Godalming and Dorking. Visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/buses-and-trains

Travelling by Bus to Merrist Wood collegeBuses run directly to Fairlands Estate for Merrist Wood College from Guildford Friary Bus Station in Woodbridge Road. Buses run to the Guildford Friary Bus Station from Woking, Farnham, Liphook, Camberley, Godalming and Dorking. Visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/buses-and-trains

Stagecoach UniriderThe College has joined forces with Stagecoach, who are offering subsidised Bus Fare Cards. Cards can be bought on a half-termly, termly or annual basis. See www.buymyunirider.com for further information.


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Guildford CollegeStoke RoadGuildfordSurreyGU1 1EZ

01483 44 85 85

Merrist Wood collegeHolly LaneWorplesdonGuildfordSurreyGU3 3PE

01483 88 40 40

www.guildford.ac.uk

This prospectus can be made available in other formats

www.merristwood.ac.uk

supported learning prospectus 2016:17

Documents

learning team

learning supportassistant

independent life

individual support

support fromour

support andstructure

joanna waltershead of

thelearning support