About the course

This programme is ideal for students who are new to Supported Studies and need to start to develop the skills towards Preparing for Adulthood including living independently and beginning to think about work experience opportunities. Towards Independence and Work will give our students the time they need to make progress in life skills and educationally through diverse areas and subjects including English, Maths, health & wellbeing and employment skills.

This programme also offers support for learners during break and lunch times, including help with building friendships and relationships. Learners will also have the opportunity to take part in coaching sessions as well as social sessions to help develop their social and communication skills. As their confidence grows, so will their ability to achieve more than they thought or believed was possible. ​We are also able to make referrals with Essex Travel Training to develop your young person’s confidence in travelling independently and this can be incorporated into their programme of study.

Entry requirements

Students wishing to apply to any of the courses within the Supported Studies area at Harlow College, must hold an EHCP (Education, Health & Care Plan).

How much does it cost?

Allow £150 for trips and visits for the course of the year.

Why study?

Active learning
Our programmes organised around different projects, this will develop your skills of working independently and working as part of a team.
Employability skills
Working on the confidence and skills required for work.
Community
Projects based within the local community to develop interpersonal skills, confidence and face-to-face communication.

Sport & wellbeing
Students will take part in overall fitness and wellbeing each week. Students will also learn the importance of healthy eating and how to develop cooking skills.

English/Maths & ICT
Skills will be developed through projects and their is an opportunity to take qualifications.

Core modules

The main focus is on developing:

• Employability skills
• Independent living
• Community
• Health & wellbeing
• English skills
• Maths skills
• IT skills
• Work experience

How will I be assessed?

RARPA Qualification (Recognising and Recording Progress and Achievement).
This qualification is based on criteria which has been linked to Preparing for Adulthood:

• Community Inclusion
• Health and Well-being
• Independent Living
• Employment