At Totton College, we have a long history of providing a supportive and nurturing environment for learners with additional needs and/or disabilities. We pride ourselves on treating learners as valued individuals, recognising their needs and enabling them to achieve their ambitions. Our Skills for Life team supports learners throughout their academic journey, preparing them for adulthood, with a focus on employment and/or independent living skills.
Why choose Totton College for Special Educational Needs?
We want our learners to achieve independence and the skills they need for the career they aspire to have. That is why our courses are designed with employability in mind, teaching life skills in the context of the working environment.
Our Skills for Life courses are designed for learners aged 16–25 years, with an Education, Health and Care Plan and/or who have a learning difficulty or disability, including young people within the autistic spectrum. All programmes are tailored to meet the individual needs of the learners and provide them with the educational, social, personal and independence skills
they require for adulthood. Learners may have one-to-one support, or work in small groups with an allocated member of staff, depending on individual needs. Learners will be supported
throughout the day, including at breaks and lunchtimes, if required.
Covering a broad range of subjects, we offer courses in:
- Employability
- Everyday Living Skills
- Futures/Progress to Work/Life
- Life, Independence and Social Skills
- Practical Work Skills
- Vocational Horticulture
- Vocational Hospitality
- Vocational Retail
- Vocational Studies
All of our Skills for Life programmes are supported by trained and experienced teachers and teaching assistants. Delivered in a safe and nurturing environment, learners are able to continue their education after leaving school or progressing from another college.
Our Skills for Life team
Our special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision is tailored to cater to those learners with a wide range of personal and educational needs. We have an experienced and qualified team, which includes:
- A qualified nurse
- Staff trained in personal care
- Speech and language therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Therapy assistants to deliver therapy programmes
We work closely with the local community and local authority SEND teams to ensure a high standard of education, as well as to provide specialist therapies for learners who have particular needs.
Extracurricular activities and enrichment
We believe in learners receiving an enriching experience when they come to college. Being involved in activities outside of studying not only develops social skills but also supports overall wellbeing.
Our Skills for Life department also hosts a wide variety of activities including sport and games, charity fundraising and work-related opportunities. The enrichment and extra-curricular activities enable learners to advocate through expressing preferences and making choices. We actively encourage learners to work in small groups to build their confidence and make new friends.
What can I do next?
With your qualification, you can take a related course at a higher level or apply for a work placement in a related work area.
How to apply for Skills for Life
For those interested in applying for one of our courses, you can apply online here.
If you would like to find out more about our services and courses, or wish to have a consultation to discuss your requirements, please contact the Faculty Curriculum Manager:
Email info@totton.ac.uk
Call 023 8087 4874
