• Specialism:
  Autism specific educational and social & personal development FE provision.
• Residential/Day:
  Day College and Day Service placements.
• Course Start Dates:
  Courses start September to July for education placements. Flexible start dates to suit individual needs.
• Course Length per Year in weeks:
  38 weeks
• Maximum Student Numbers:
  36 or 38 week education placements 50 week and non term time Day Service.
• Age Range:
  For young adults aged 16 to approximately 25.

General Description of College:
Whitegates College is a specialist FE provision for young adults with autism spectrum conditions aged between 16 and 25. Situated in the North Nottinghamshire town of Worksop, Whitegates offers opportunities for day placements for educational, social and personal development and life-skills. The College is a realistic learning environment which promotes development into adulthood through continual assessment of individual needs.

The Curriculum:
encouraging active participation, thought processes and emotional development across all areas. A range of accredited and non accredited activities from pre-entry is offered within Foundation Learning. The curriculum offers to develop communication, independence, personal and social development and work related skills. The location of the College near the centre of Worksop enables good community access for all learners promoting realistic life skills. All learners undergo a detailed personal assessment and have a personal tutor who works with them on their individual learning plan. Supported access to neighbouring Colleges gives learners the opportunity to access a wider curriculum, alternative social settings and the wider community. Learners receive appropriate, timely and effective advice when making the transition or moving on from Whitegates College.

Statements:

1. expertise in working with learners with autism spectrum disorder
2. expertise in working with learners with Asperger syndrome
3. expertise in working with learners with autism spectrum disorder with associated challenging behaviour
4. day provision
5. a programme to help learners to look after themselves more independently
6. a social skills programme
7. a programme to enable students to learn more about themselves and how to form relationships
8. opportunities to improve literacy, numeracy and/or communication skills
9. opportunities to improve Information and learning technology skills
10. opportunities to develop strategies to promote appropriate behaviour
11. a range of vocational courses with opportunities for accreditation.
12. opportunities to work towards qualifications within Foundation Learning
13. opportunities to attend local mainstream colleges with support
14. in-house speech and language therapy
15. help with negotiating suitable long term provision