Foundation Learning

Please Note: The learner must have an EHCP (Education Health & Care Plan) to access this course, and Bath College must have been consulted by the local authority before an application is made.

Our specialised sensory pathway offers a highly structured curriculum tailored to meet the needs of young people with more complex needs. It encompasses all the essential aspects of a study programme, ensuring that learners receive an inclusive education. Throughout this course, learners will engage in various subjects such as life skills, maths, and English, as well as participating in small group sessions that aim to assist them in achieving their EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) objectives.

Our dedicated team will provide support to enhance learners’ communication skills, financial literacy, personal safety awareness, teamwork abilities, problem-solving, and turn-taking skills.

The SPA programme is delivered at our Wellow SEND Centre at our Radstock, Somer Valley Campus in a safe and inclusive environment equipped with specialised facilities, including an adapted wet room, hoist, specialist toilet, and changing facilities.

In addition to academic support, learners enrolled in the SPA programme will benefit from working closely with our Inclusion Team, who will guide them and their parent/carers in exploring transition opportunities and planning for their future.

Some progression opportunities following the SPA course include:

• Supported volunteering
• Supported employment
• Supported living

Please Note: The learner must have an EHCP (Education Health & Care Plan) to access this course, and Bath College must have been consulted by the local authority before an application is made.

"Pathways for Adulthood" aims to support young people into adulthood with employment, good health, independent living skills, relationships and community inclusion. The PfA curriculum extends beyond the academic, technical or vocational learning and provides learners with broader development, enabling them to develop and discover their interests and talents.  

PfA is delivered at the Wellow SEND Centre at our Radstock, Somer Valley Campus through a variety of strategies and skills development, including:  

• Multi-Sensory Learning: incorporating activities that engage multiple senses, such as touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell. Multi-sensory experiences can help enhance learning and understanding.  
• Communication Strategies: using a variety of communication methods, including visual aids, pictorial symbols, objects of reference, and assistive communication devices, to promote understanding and interaction.  
• Life Skills: emphasising the development of practical life skills, such as self-care, cooking, cleaning, and personal safety, to enhance the learner's independence.  
• Physical Activities: incorporating activities that encourage movement and physical development, adapting the exercises to each individual's abilities and providing appropriate support and equipment.  
• Social Interaction: facilitating opportunities for socialisation and peer interactions through group activities and community outings.  
• Family Involvement: involving families and caregivers in the learning process to reinforce skills and promote consistency between home and educational settings.  

Some progression opportunities following the PfA course include:  

• LILS (Life & Independent Living Skills)
• Volunteering
• Supported employment
• Supported living

Please Note: The learner must have an EHCP (Education Health & Care Plan) to access this course, and Bath College must have been consulted by the local authority before an application is made.

The Life and Independent Living Skills course is designed to build upon the learner's sense of self and equip them with the skills to gain greater independence and become an active member of their community.  

By developing crucial life skills, participants will gain knowledge and experience to enhance personal growth and well-being across many areas including, domestic, financial, travel, participation, and work-based learning to support their progression into adulthood and further learning opportunities.

Our LILS course is delivered at both our Somer Valley, Radstock Campus, and our City Centre Campus through a variety of strategies and skills development including:  

• Self-Management: developing strategies for setting goals, time management, and personal organisation to improve productivity.  
• Financial Literacy: learning budgeting, banking, and basic financial planning to make informed decisions and achieve financial independence.  
• Health and Wellness: gaining knowledge of nutrition, exercise, mental health, and stress management to maintain physical and emotional well-being.  
• Home Management: acquiring skills in cleaning, laundry, cooking, and household maintenance to run a functional and comfortable living space.  
• Communication Skills: improving verbal and non-verbal communication abilities for effective interactions with others in both personal and professional settings.  
• Problem-Solving: developing critical thinking and decision-making skills to tackle everyday challenges and make sound judgements.  
• Safety and Emergency Preparedness: learning essential safety measures and how to respond to emergencies to ensure personal safety and well-being.  
• Transportation and Mobility: exploring methods of transportation and how to navigate public transport systems to enhance mobility and independence.  
• Social Skills: developing interpersonal skills, empathy, and conflict resolution techniques to build and maintain healthy relationships.  
• Community Engagement: understanding the importance of community involvement and exploring opportunities to contribute positively to society.  
• Maths & English: developing and achieving qualifications at an appropriate level to the individual learner.  

Some progression opportunities following the LILS course include:  

• Step Up
• Level 1 course
• Employment
• Supported living

The Step-Up Course is a comprehensive programme designed to help young people develop essential knowledge, skills and behaviours that will empower each individual to pursue a career in their chosen vocational area.

It focuses on emotional, social and educational support and development to enhance their personal growth. The Step-Up Course has been designed as a ‘transition’ course, to allow young people who may have been out of education for a while, or disengaged in education, to re-engage and allow them to flourish to their fullest potential.  

Our Step-Up course is delivered at both our Somer Valley, Radstock Campus, and our City Centre Campus through a variety of strategies and skills development including:  

• Self-Discovery and Awareness: exploring your strengths, weaknesses, passions and values to gain a better understanding of yourself.  
• Goal-setting and Planning: learning effective goal-setting techniques and creating a roadmap to achieve your short-term and long-term objectives.  
• Communication Skills: developing strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills to enhance your interactions with others.  
• Emotional Intelligence: understanding emotions and how to manage them positively for better decision-making and relationships.  
• Stress Management: learning strategies to cope with stress, improve resilience, and maintain overall well-being.  
• Creativity and Innovation: unleash your creativity and learn to approach challenges with innovative solutions.  
• Safety and Emergency Preparedness: learning essential safety measures and how to respond to emergencies to ensure personal safety and well-being.  
• Transportation and Mobility: exploring methods of transportation and how to navigate public transport systems to enhance mobility and independence.  
• Social Skills: developing interpersonal skills, empathy, and conflict resolution techniques to build and maintain healthy relationships.  
• Community Engagement: understanding the importance of community involvement and exploring opportunities to contribute positively to society.  
• Financial Literacy: learning budgeting, banking, and basic financial planning to make informed decisions and achieve financial independence.  

Progression opportunities following the Step-Up course include:  

• Level 1/Level 2 vocational course
• Employment
• Volunteering
• Apprenticeships

We also offer other levels of English & Maths courses, to help you continue your education or even take that first step, as well as ESOL and CELTA courses in our English Language School.