Foundation
Learning

WAYS TO STUDY

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES (SEND)

For those with learning difficulties or special learning needs, it’s incredibly important to find the right college with a strong support framework to support the young person’s next step. That’s why for students aged 16 to 24, we offer a unique package of Foundation Learning with four different ‘Pathways to Adulthood’ courses, ranging from pre-entry level to level 1. With a mixture of classroom, practical and enriching activities, our aim is to equip students with skills, confidence, an opportunity to meet new friends and explore new opportunities at a pace that feels right for them.

Student benefits:

  • Excellent teaching and support through small class sizes
  • Planned and supported transition from school to college
  • Individual learning plans and targets
  • Vocational tasters
  • Work experience
  • Enterprise skills
  • Access to speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy
  • Key English and Maths sessions
  • North East Sports Academy with the chance to get involved in the Pan-disability Football Academy alongside studies.
Student using tablet

Simply put, we make sure they have the best experience possible, so they can be the best they can be in the future

New SkillsBuilder

We’re now working in partnership with Skills Builder to offer the Skills Builder Universal Framework for all students with special educational needs in order for them to Prepare for Adulthood.

The Skills Builder Framework aims to build a set of essential skills to succeed in life.

The essential skills are defined as: Listening, Speaking, Problem Solving, Creativity, Staying Positive, Aiming High, Leadership and Teamwork.

Through the Skills Builder Framework, we can support our students to understand their existing skills and identify gaps they might have as well as see what progress looks like by getting to know what the next steps are to improve their essential skills further.

OUR ‘PATHWAYS TO ADULTHOOD’ COURSES

PREPARING FOR INDEPENDENCE

This programme is suitable for students with Special Educational Needs who need further support in developing their individual skills whilst preparing for adulthood.

PREPARING FOR EDUCATION

This programme will help prepare students who want to follow a career in service industries but are not yet ready for mainstream programmes.

PREPARATION FOR VOCATIONAL STUDIES

This programme is suitable for those students who have not yet reached the academic level required to study at Level 2 and above and need support to develop educational and/or resilience skills to cope in mainstream environment.

PREPARATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

This programme is suitable for those students who wish to progress directly into employment.

PREPARATION FOR CONSTRUCTION

This programme is ideal for anyone who wants a career in construction but isn’t sure which trade is best for them. This hands-on course covers basic construction skills in areas like painting and decorating and carpentry and joinery, as well as the development of English and maths. The course is designed to boost your confidence and skills and help you decide on your next steps. After successfully completing the course, you will be guaranteed entry on to any of our Level 1 construction course.

A LIFE & EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

DEDICATED, CARING AND SUPPORTIVE STAFF

STRONG FOCUS ON HEALTH & WELL-BEING

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STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES

CLOSE LINKS WITH LOCAL EMPLOYERS

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

Ash Pearce

Preparation for Employment and Training

When I moved here I was learning at home but I needed to come to college as I want to join the police force. I didn’t have the grades, so I am doing a year on Preparing for Employment to improve my grades. I have been able to settle at college and this year has reduced me worrying about how teachers would treat me. Everyone is very accepting about autism and ADHD and it has helped me get ready for moving on to Uniform Services in September

Ofsted

2019

As a result of the effective continuous support, learners with SEND make good progress from their starting points.

Emmanuel Locken

Preparation for Living in the Community

I came to TyneMet from St Thomas Moore and this is my second year. I have learnt lots in Aspire about computers, green screens, video software and design software. Helen is a good teacher and she helps us a lot. I also found remote learning easy, but I prefer to be at college. I have been able to act this year in mini movies and my confidence has grown. I enjoy the work but feel like I am still learning something, which is good. I like to chill with my friends and chill in my lessons too. The best thing about my course is learning about how to file format and make green screens. If I could change one thing it would be to come 5 days a week instead of 3.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

We want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the right decision about where the person you care for studies after leaving school. To make sure we provide the right support and guidance for the person you care for, we recommend you come along to one of our events.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a young person access vocational options?

Yes, some of our delivery is through vocational options, or if they want to spend time in a specific area that can be arranged. Examples of some vocational options include: hairdressing, beauty, catering, construction plus others.

How many hours a week will the course run?

The course is 17.5 hours per week, usually over 3.5 days.

My young person suffers from anxiety, can they follow a reduced timetable?

Depending on individual needs, we can arrange for a reduced timetable, with a view to increasing this in time.

What are the progression opportunities?

We have a number of different options; a young person may remain with us for more than a year, depending on their need.  Or they can progress to mainstream, either a skills based course such as catering or hairdressing, or a more vocational route such as health and social care, media, or any other suitable course.

They may progress onto our supported internship and move on to paid employment.

A small number of our students will progress to Adult Social Care.

Can young people get transport to college?

If the young person is an independent traveller, there is a bus pass option.  For those young people who are not independent travellers, and have an EHCP, transport can be arranged through your local authority.

 

Can parents/carers come in for a visit?

Both parents/carers and young people can visit to explore the facilities and get a feel for the place.

An appointment can be made via tutors Heidi and Sarah below.

WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE STARTING COLLEGE

  • Regular contact with useful information about the College and Foundation Learning department.
  • An opportunity for students to attend an exclusive taster session.
  • Guidance on how to enrol.
  • An invite to meet Additional Learning Support staff if required.
Student using mobile phone

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

If the person you care for needs a little support, they could be entitled to extra help with costs.

A SAFE SPACE FOR ALL

At TyneMet, we’re committed to offering a space for students to feel safe, secure, valued and respected. Everyone has the right to protection from all forms of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

It’s our staff members’ responsibility to protect young people and vulnerable adults, and we aim to make sure all adults who may have unsupervised access to the above student groups are deemed fit to work with them.

In light of recent legislation, we also know we have a responsibility to safeguard staff and will provide clear guidelines and systems regarding staff responsibilities towards the protection of young people and vulnerable adults.

Get in touch

Our team is always ready to help. So if you have questions on courses, your career, or anything else, complete this contact form and we’ll be in touch.