Introduction to Adulthood (Pre Entry)

An EHCP is essential for this course.

This helps tutors match personal care and sensory support to their learning difficulties and EHCP outcomes.

If they do not have an EHCP, they cannot join this programme. Please see GOV.UK for more information.

They do not need any academic learning experience because it is a needs-led programme.

They will attend an admission process – but don't worry, this is a calm, supportive chat to understand their needs.

There are no tests or assessments.

And you, the parent or carer, will also come along to meet the SEND tutors.

This will include:

• A friendly meeting to understand communication styles and sensory needs.
• An EHCP, care plan, therapy report, and support documentation review.
• Discussion to build a clear picture of the learner's needs.
• An informal, low-pressure visit so they can become familiar with the college before they join.

There are no behaviour expectations.

This programme meets learners where they are when they start because it's the beginning of a new journey to independence and adult life.

The programme is highly personalised, so it does not follow a strict structure.

However, these are the key themes they will study during the year:

• Establishing goals, strengths, interests, and barriers.
• Co-creating a personalised programme and timetable.
• Activities to build emotional safety, trust, and motivation.
• Gentle reintroduction to learning.
• Core English and Maths skills.
• Enrichment activities.
• Community experienced.
• Practical tasks to build social confidence.

The classroom is a calm, supportive space.

Each lesson is structured to help learners feel safe and inspired to learn.

Small class sizes mean learners can practice and ask questions without judgment or fear of mistakes.

Teaching is practical and personalised to help the learner achieve their EHCP goals and take the next step forward with purpose.

All small assessments are practical and scenario based.

This helps learners prepare for adult life and independence far greater than a written essay.

Group activities help develop key communication and teamwork skills needed for future volunteering roles and internships.

Every student has access to assistive technology to remove barriers to learning.

Tutors celebrate skill milestones with special events – and carers have access to ongoing progress reviews for peace of mind.

We understand that as a parent or carer, you want complete reassurance that your young person will be safe and understood while they learn.

And that’s why every lesson is hyper-personalised - to build independence for adult life in a calm, supportive environment.

This course is the first stage in a PMLD learning journey.

Many learners who complete this course progress towards:

• Pathway to Independence – the next natural step to build independence
• Specialist adult-social-care or day services
• Community engagement programmes with appropriate support
• Health and therapy pathways depending on EHCP targets

Every learner's journey is personalised to meet their long-term goals and EHCP targets.

Most learners study this course for free.

If you need help with funding, travel costs to the college, or free college meals, please email studentfunding@bathcollege.ac.uk for more details.

The college also offers the following specialist SEND support to remove learning barriers:

• Experienced SEND teaching staff
• Quiet breakout rooms
• Accessible learning materials like visuals, task boards, laptops, and visual aids
• Regular communication and progress updates with you, the parent or carer
• Support to meet individual EHCP goals
• Wellbeing support through the college's SEND or learning support team

If you would like to ask more questions, please email cathryn.giles@bathcollege.ac.uk.