This course is designed for young people aged 16 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan who are working at pre-entry or entry level and want to develop greater independence while continuing their education.
As part of the colleges Moving Up portfolio, the programme provides a supportive and practical learning environment where learners can build confidence, develop life skills and gain experience of college life.
The course uses hands-on, activity-based learning to help learners prepare for their next stage of education or adult life. Learners take part in enterprise-related activities and practical projects such as running a second-hand bookshop and setting up small cooking enterprises.
Through these activities, learners develop practical skills, teamwork, communication and a sense of responsibility in a structured and supportive setting.
- Entry Requirements, Units, Assessment and more...
Entry Requirements
To join this course, learners must be aged 16 to 24 and have an Education, Health and Care Plan.
This course is suitable for learners working at pre-entry or entry level who would benefit from a supportive learning environment focused on building confidence, independence and practical life skills.
No formal qualifications are required. The course is designed to support learners at an early stage of their educational journey and help prepare them for future learning and adult life.
Assessment Method
Learners are assessed through continuous assessment throughout the academic year.
Progress is measured through everyday learning activities, practical tasks and participation rather than formal examinations, allowing learners to demonstrate progress in a way that reflects their individual abilities.
Staff regularly review each learners development to ensure teaching and support continue to meet their individual needs.
Aims of the course
The aim of this course is to help learners become more independent both in college and in everyday life.
Learners will develop communication and social skills, build resilience and gain confidence in managing challenges within a supportive environment.
Enterprise activities are used to help learners understand how work environments operate and to practise working with others. These include projects such as running a second-hand bookshop, setting up small cooking enterprises and taking part in creative projects.
Learners will also develop practical skills such as handling cash and card payments, building teamwork skills and creating a CV that reflects their experience and achievements on the course.
The programme supports personal development, confidence building and preparation for future progression.
Progression Opportunities
After completing the course, learners may progress into volunteering, supported employment, adult community provision or social care pathways, depending on their individual goals and readiness.
Some learners may move on to a final year of college study on programmes such as Future Focus: Preparing for Life After College or Perform to Progress, beginning at Entry Level 1 where appropriate.
The course provides an important foundation for future independence, community participation and progression.
Facilities
Teaching takes place at Lewisham College within the Supported Learning department.
Learners take part in a mixture of classroom-based teaching, enterprise activities and practical projects delivered both on and off campus.
The course may include creative projects in local green spaces, supported workshops with external practitioners at cultural venues and regular enterprise stalls within the local community, helping learners apply their skills in real-life settings.
Each group is supported by a course tutor and a Learning Support Worker, with access to additional specialist support services including Speech and Language Therapists, safeguarding and behaviour specialists.
Sensory and quiet spaces are also available to support individual learning needs and wellbeing.
Career Options
On completion of the course, learners may be supported to access employment or volunteering opportunities through the Supported Learning job coach team.
Further training, supported employment programmes or community-based opportunities may also be suitable depending on the learners individual goals, interests and support needs.
The course helps learners build the confidence and practical skills needed to progress into future opportunities.
