• Specialism:
  Severe learning difficulties and/or disabilities; communication difficulties and associated behavioural difficulties
• Residential/Day:
  Residential and day provision
• Course Start Dates:
  September; January and March occasionally available
• Course Length per Year in weeks:
  38 weeks
• Maximum Student Numbers:
  21
• Age Range:
  16 - 25

General Description of College:
Loppington College is situated in rural north Shropshire near to the small market town of Wem. Loppington College is part of Active Care Partnerships, a specialist division of Southern Cross Healthcare; the site also includes residential adult care provision.

The Curriculum:
We support learners to follow their own natural rhythm and pace of life with a focus on achieving desired work opportunities and enjoyable leisure activities through a curriculum that focuses on the development of skills. Our main aim at Loppington College is to increase each learner’s independence. We offer a curriculum that is shaped according to individual preferences and needs. Accreditation can be obtained by learners via the City and Guilds 3803 Personal Progress qualification that allows learners to develop their skills and is designed to support learners to participate as citizens within the community. Other accreditation can currently be obtained through the English Speaking Board. We recognise there are three basic formats for teaching and learning; formal, in-formal and discreet. We use these three basic formats to support the structure of our provision and to help identify appropriate support and funding for learners.

Specialist Facilities:
Specialist facilities include in-house speech and language therapy and support from an independent advocacy service

Statements:

1. expertise in meeting the needs of students with severe learning difficulties
2. expertise in working with learners with communication difficulties
3. expertise in working with learners with autism spectrum disorder
4. a personal development programme
5. opportunities to work towards qualifications within Foundation Learning
6. opportunities to improve literacy, numeracy and/or communication skills
7. opportunities to improve communication skills such as the use of Makaton, Bliss, symbols or objects of reference
8. in-house speech and language therapy
9. opportunities for learners to participate in community activities and to learn about citizenship
10. a programme to help learners to look after themselves more independently
11. opportunities to develop strategies to promote appropriate behaviour
12. a transition programme into independent living
13. opportunities to explore a range of living options after college
14. opportunities to take part in a wide range of social, leisure and sporting activities
15. opportunities to prepare for work after college
16. help with negotiating suitable long term provision
17. day provision
18. waking night residential staff
19. residential provision linked to the academic year
20. registered with the Care Quality Commission