This course is designed for young people aged 16 to 24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan and a strong interest in food, catering and customer service.
As part of the Supported Learning Moving Up programme, the course is suitable for learners who want to develop practical cooking skills while building confidence and preparing for future training or employment in the hospitality and catering industry.
The programme focuses on practical, hands-on learning in a supportive and structured environment, helping learners build confidence while developing industry-relevant skills.
By the end of the course, learners usually work towards a City and Guilds Entry Level 3 or Level 1 Award or Certificate in Introduction to the Hospitality Industry, alongside Functional Skills English and maths. These qualifications support progression into further training and help learners build the skills needed for the workplace.
- Entry Requirements, Units, Assessment and more...
Entry Requirements
To join this course, learners must be aged between 16 and 24 and have an Education, Health and Care Plan.
There are no formal academic qualification requirements, but learners should have a genuine interest in catering and hospitality and be willing to take part in practical kitchen work and customer-facing activities.
Before an application can be progressed, the Supported Learning department requires a consultation with the learners local authority. The SENCO at the learners current school can support this process and provide further guidance.
Assessment Method
Learners are assessed mainly through observation of practical cooking tasks that reflect real working practices within the catering industry.
Food hygiene and safety knowledge is also assessed to ensure learners understand how to work safely and responsibly in a professional kitchen environment.
Assessment is ongoing and designed to support individual progress, focusing on practical skills development rather than formal written examinations alone.
Aims of the course
The aim of this course is to help learners develop practical cooking skills and explore future opportunities within catering and hospitality.
Learners build important transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, resilience and time management while working in a professional catering environment.
Food prepared by learners is sold in the Brockley Cafe, helping them understand how a catering business operates, including food preparation, customer service, stock management, sales and the importance of profit.
The course also supports confidence building, independence and workplace readiness.
Progression Opportunities
After completing the course, learners may progress onto a supported internship or move onto a higher-level catering course within the wider college.
Progression is planned carefully to suit each learners individual needs, abilities and future goals, recognising that many learners benefit from additional supported practice before moving into employment.
The course provides an important foundation for further training, supported work placements and future hospitality opportunities.
Facilities
Teaching takes place at Lewisham College within the Supported Learning department.
Learners have access to professional kitchen facilities and take part in both internal and external work experience opportunities to build practical skills and confidence.
On-site work experience takes place in the Brockley Cafe, with additional placements at external venues where appropriate, allowing learners to experience a range of hospitality settings.
Each group is supported by a course tutor and a Learning Support Worker, with access to Speech and Language Therapists, safeguarding and behaviour support staff, and other specialist services.
Sensory and quiet spaces are available to support learners wellbeing and individual needs.
Career Options
Career opportunities in catering and hospitality often require further training and workplace experience.
Most learners will continue into a supported internship or further study to strengthen their practical skills and work readiness before moving into employment.
In the longer term, learners may progress into roles within catering kitchens, cafes, restaurants or other hospitality settings, depending on their individual progress, interests and support needs.
