Furness College

Schools Extended Local Offer Response

How does the setting/school/college know if children/young people need extra help and what should I do if I think my child/young person may have special educational needs?

The college attend relevant meetings at partner schools to ensure a smooth transition process for learners with additional needs.  At application most students meet with a member of staff who will discuss any learning needs and previous support.  

How will early years setting/school/college staff support my child/young person?

The college designs study programmes to meet the academic/social needs of learners. We have experienced Mentors and Learning Support Assistants who work one to one and in class to support learning. We focus on developing independence in preparation for adulthood and support learners to acquire the skills they will need for progression to employment or further study.

How will the curriculum be matched to my child's/young person's needs?

Each student has an individual study programme that is designed to meet their academic and support needs. Bespoke timetabling can be arranged on an individual basis in certain circumstances.

How will both you and I know how my child/young person is doing and how will you help me to support my child's/young person's learning?

During the application and enrolment process, information from home is key to helping young people with SEND cope in their new environment. We recognise that this is a stressful time for both parent/carer and students.

Staff working with SEND learners maintain contact with parents/carers. There are the usual opportunities such as parents evening.

As a setting we make regular assessments of student progress throughout the academic year.

 

What support will there be for my child's/young person's overall well being?

We have a strong pastoral programme in place that helps prepare young people for life beyond college. An experienced Inclusion team help to provide support for young people including providing personal care where required. 

As a post 16 provider we work closely with our young people to develop their employability skills ready for their next steps, this includes behaviour, attendance and punctuality.

What specialist services and expertise are avaliable at or accessed by the setting/school/college?

The college works with specialist providers when required, for example Occupational Therapists. We provide supported internships in partnership with local organisations and employers.

Specialist facilities to meet personal needs are available on site.

What training have the staff supporting children and young people with SEND had? Are any being trained currently?

All staff working with young people can access training relevant to SEND. Recent examples for the Inclusion team include deaf awareness training, personal care needs, manual handling, first aid and mental health first aid.

How will my child/young person be included in activities outside this classroom including school trips?

Students with SEND or additional needs are supported by Inclusion staff to attend external events and trips.

How accessible is the setting/school/college enviroment?

The college is fully accessible.

How will the setting/school/college prepare and support my child/young person to join the setting/school/college or the next stage of education and life?

The Inclusion team attend EHCP reviews and TAC meetings in the terms prior to enrolment to learn about out prospective students and their support needs.

Our student services team provide extensive information, advice and guidance about careers and next steps. Frequent events and external visitors support this work. We also work closely with Inspira to provide IAG.

Information sharing with other organisations is in line with confidentiality and GDPR guidance.

How are the setting's/school's/college's resources allocated and matched to children's/young people's special educational needs?

The allocation of learning support staff and resources is done on an individual basis dependent on student needs

How is the decision made about what type and how much support my child/young person will receive?

Any decisions made are based on transition visits, assessments, discussion and learner needs.

How are parents involved in the setting/school/college? How can I be involved?

We value the support of parents in the decision making process, however as a post 16 provider our goal is to prepare young people for education, employment or training and as such we work with students to develop their skills, independence and decision making. It is important learners are involved in the decisions about their progression.