Skills for Independence (CC)

You need an EHCP to start this course. Visit GOV.UK to learn more about an EHCP.

However, there are no formal grade requirements.

After you apply, we will invite you to a relaxed admission process.

Here, you can familiarise yourself with the college, the tutors, the facilities, and understand whether the course matches your young person's goals.

Don't worry, there are no assessments or tests.

This process lets you get to know the college in a safe, supportive space.

If this course isn't right for them, our tutors recommend the Introduction to Adulthood or Pathway to Independence programmes instead.

These are for PMLD and pre-entry learners who need a sensory-focused, hyper-supportive approach.

Each module will help them take meaningful steps towards confidence and personal skills in a supportive environment.

And each module is highly personalised to their EHCP outcomes.

• Practical life skills
• Communication development
• Real life and community experiences
• Preparation for adulthood
• Work learning and early employability
• Small group learning

The classroom environment at the City Centre Campus in Bath is safe and nurturing, so they progress at their own pace.

And this environment encourages them to engage and feel ready to learn.

Small, quiet classrooms provide a learning space with minimal distractions.

Tutors use breakout areas to offer reflection and one-to-one coaching.

The welcoming atmosphere means that every learner builds a relationship with the tutors – and their progress is always celebrated.

Structured group activities offer a chance to build the core teamwork and communication skills for volunteering or community roles.

And there are no written assessments.

Observation during small units of work and practical tasks helps them achieve their EHCP targets.

Teaching is based on repetition to build confidence for the college environment, supported internships, volunteering roles, and more independence.

At Bath College, progress is defined by their goals – and no journey is the same.

After Skills for Independence, your young person can progress to:

• Future Skills – where learners build further independence.
• Future Steps to Work – where learners build employability skills.
• Future Choices – where learners are ready for vocational exploration.
• Alternative personalised programmes.

No additional costs.

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.