Considering further education

Nino Serritiello, Head of the Access Education Centre, Suffolk College looks at general further education Colleges for those with additional needs

Just as the majority of students with special educational needs and additional support needs are placed in their local schools, so the majority of students with support needs choose to go to their local college. Students from the age of 14 to 90 enrol on part time and full time vocational, academic and personal development courses. The Further Education provision in most communities is extensive in terms of the range of courses offered, as well as the span of academic levels available. There is a range of qualifications from entry level to level three, with many areas offering pre-entry courses, non qualificatory courses and degrees. From training to be a hairdresser or motor mechanic, to taking A levels or improving basic skills, colleges offer a huge choice and provide their local community with extensive specialist facilities.

The issue for most people should not be whether to go to college, but at what age, for what purpose and which mode of study. From the age of 14 to 90 this local provision should be seriously considered and, for those with support needs, FE colleges are an essential community resource. The larger colleges may support as many as 400 such learners each year spending an additional £500,000 on the support alone. They might provide specialist tutors for dyslexic students, specialist courses for students with learning disabilities and access courses for those with emotional problems. Many have, or will have, specialist facilities for students with physical disabilities, including: hoists, care staff and specialist equipment. The type of support may be through support in class from learning support assistants or communication support workers; smaller groups; additional specialist tutoring; home tutoring or partnership provision between specialist schools/colleges.

The question when approaching a local FE college should not be: “what can you offer?” It should be: “can you provide appropriate courses and adaptations to provide for the required needs?” The colleges are increasingly looking to adapt their provision to the individual rather than the individual to the course and everyone is entitled to at least have their needs assessed and thoroughly considered.

Students of whatever age who choose their local college will do so because it is convenient, allows inclusion into their community, has relevant provision and provides specialist adaptation. Colleges of FE are valued because they offer a new start, a chance to move on with new qualifications, career options and new friends. For many used to specialist provision, general FE colleges provide a great experience of freedom, a chance to experiment with emotions and mature.

Colleges build on specialist education, providing an invaluable insight in to the business, work and social world. This opportunity is often taken for granted by many who just need another qualification but is highly prized by those who, at some time, need to move on in their lives despite their disabilities or difficulties.

If your needs are highly individual or there are issues over vulnerability or very specialist facilities, make an appointment with the college through the Learner Support section or the Disability Officer well before applying for the vocational/academic course. This will ensure that needs can be planned for and additional resources can be found – local FE colleges can, and should, consider creative solutions to provide for those with additional needs.

Suffolk College offers an extensive choice of education and training opportunities in a work related environment, including: AS/A2 levels, National Diplomas, Vocational A levels, NVQs, GNVQs, modern apprentiships and Further Education access programmes.

Suffolk College
Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1LT
Tel: 01473 296606
Email: info@suffolk.ac.uk
Website: www.suffolk.ac.uk

Click here to search for special needs schools.
Click here to promote your school or company.
Click here to purchase the guide.