• Specialism:
  Individuals on the autism spectrum with learning difficulties and, or disabilities with varying levels of challenging
• Residential/Day:
  Day services provision with the option of residential placements funded by social services and/or health authorities
• Course Start Dates:
  Courses start September
• Course Length per Year in weeks:
  Educational Provision 38 weeks
• Maximum Student Numbers:
  Residential Provision 52 weeks
• Age Range:
  Age 19+

General Description of College:
The college has a shop in Sunderland and 4 community based Workshops in Sunderland and Darlington, a 77 acre farm consisting of a new build and 8 vocational workshops based in Durham.

The Curriculum:
The curriculum is responsive to meet the individual needs of learners.  Learners follow a personalised, destination-led learning programme of flexible content and duration to support individual progression; equipping learners with the skills they require for living and work.  The practical nature of the curriculum effectively engages learners and provides meaningful opportunities for learners to develop their functional, vocational, personal and social skills.   The use of realistic work environments and innovative social enterprise enables learners to develop their employability skills.  There are a range of appropriate courses available including Foundation Learning using qualifications at entry level and level 1 of the Qualifications and Credit Framework, and varied enrichment activities to meet the diverse needs of learners.  A person-centred approach is adopted to ensure the programme meets the individual needs, interests and aspirations of learners. 

Specialist Facilities:
Staff who can realise and interpret the complex needs associated with Autism Spectrum Behaviour Support Strategies Therapy Team P.E.C.S TEACCH Sensory Assessment Communication Assessment Community Based Workshop Community Links- Psychologist, Behaviour Team, Psychiatrist, Dietician, Ophthalmic

Statements:

1. a transition programme into supported or open employment
2. a transition programme into independent living
3. specialist orientation and mobility training to enable independent travel
4. a personal development programme
5. opportunities to improve literacy, numeracy and/or communication skills
6. opportunities to experience real work situations
7. opportunities to work towards qualifications within Foundation Learning
8. opportunities to take part in a wide range of social, leisure and sporting activities
9. opportunities to develop strategies to promote appropriate behaviour
10. opportunities to follow a vocational course
11. expertise in working with learners with autism spectrum disorder with associated challenging behaviour
12. opportunities to improve and develop communication skills through the use of Alternative and Augmentative Communication aids
13. expertise in working with learners with multi-sensory impairment
14. in-house speech and language therapy
15. opportunities to improve Information and learning technology skills
16. extensive use of assistive and adaptive technologies
17. opportunities to prepare for work after college
18. a programme to help learners to look after themselves more independently
19. a range of therapeutic services
20. expertise in working with learners with communication difficulties