• Specialism:
  Learning difficulties, physical disabilities, communication disorders and Autism Spectrum conditions
• Residential/Day:
  Day
• Course Start Dates:
  Courses start September
• Course Length per Year in weeks:
  37 weeks per year
• Maximum Student Numbers:
  Up to 80 students
• Age Range:
  Age 16 – 25

General Description of College:
Bridge is a non- residential college that meets the needs of students with learning difficulties, physical disabilities, communication disorders and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. The College has a particular expertise in supporting students with communication difficulties. The College’s urban location provides easy access to a range of community facilities and other FE providers. Young people learn skills in their own community supported by a multi- disciplinary team. In September 2012 Bridge is due to move into a state of the art new building co-located with The Manchester College.

The Curriculum:
Students' needs are met through an Individual Learning Plan and a broad and varied curriculum offer. The curriculum framework comprises: Foundation Level Pre- Vocational Skills Independence Skills Work Experience/ Work Shadowing Pre- Foundation Level Life Skills Independence Skills Community Access Personal Effectiveness Sensory Enterprise and Enrichment Activities are an integral part of the curriculum. They are used to develop vocational skills and promote self advocacy and personal effectiveness.

Specialist Facilities:
The College has a number of well equipped specialist rooms. Ian Karten CTEC Centre Living Skills Room Fitness Room Hydrotherapy Pool Physiotherapy Suite Multi- Sensory 'light & sound' Room Work Experience resource room A fleet of minibuses including a specially commissioned minibus incorporating toilet and hoist facilities

Statements:

1. opportunities to work towards qualifications within Foundation Learning
2. opportunities for learners to participate in community activities and to learn about citizenship
3. a programme to help learners to look after themselves more independently
4. opportunities to improve and develop communication skills through the use of Alternative and Augmentative Communication aids
5. a transition programme into independent living
6. a transition programme into supported or open employment
7. a range of therapeutic services
8. expertise in working with learners with communication difficulties
9. expertise in working with learners with multi-sensory impairment
10. expertise in working with learners who are blind or visually impaired
11. expertise in working with learners with epilepsy and/or associated neurological conditions
12. expertise in meeting the needs of students with profound and multiple learning difficulties
13. expertise in meeting the needs of students with severe learning difficulties
14. expertise in supporting learners with emotional difficulties
15. opportunities to prepare for work after college
16. a work placement scheme with local employers
17. expertise in supporting learners with a wide range of physical disabilities
18. expertise in working with learners with severe autism spectrum disorder
19. opportunities to prepare for further training after college
20. day provision