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Independent Living (Pathways)

Teachers with foundation students.

Overview

Independent Living (Pathways)

This course is for learners who are aged between 16 and 25 and have a special educational Needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

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Course information

Course details

Entry requirements

You must be aged 16 to 25 and have a Learning Difficulties Assessment from the local authority. If you do not have one of these, contact us and we will advise further.

Course content

The independent living course is a personalised programme that supports learners to improve their life skills and their experiences. The course provides a structured and secure environment where learners receive a high level of support which in turn enables them to experience and take part in a varied college curriculum.

Learners will also have support to access all the amenities here at college and to explore the wider community whilst working on their social, communication and life skills. This course aims to challenge and stretch learners to become as independent as possible and work towards their own and the Preparing for Adulthood outcomes.

Staff are trained in Makaton and PECs to help the students to develop their communication and socials skills and ability to learn with and alongside others.

Maths and English are a key part of the timetable, and taught in a functional and relevant way.

Learners attend College for three days each week, 9am – 4pm. Group sizes are small and are usually between 6 and 8 learners.

Learners will be working on gaining an Entry level certificate in Independent living. Progress will be monitored using the RARPA process where personal targets will be set and regularly reviewed with the learner, parents, carers and other professionals.

Next steps

What options are there after completing this course?

As in all courses at College, there is a focus on progression and this course aims to prepare young people for their next step in learning, whether this is a further course at College or onward opportunities.

The independent living route offers both second- and third-year programmes where the emphasis is on improving independence and building on existing skills in each subsequent year.

Additional information

Coming to College is a full time commitment and you will need to ensure that you have factored in the cost of travelling to College and potentially to a local work placement. If you are concerned about this, please click here to see what financial support is available through our Student Services team.

We do recommend a few good resources that you can choose to purchase if you wish. We may request contributions are made to trips and outings.

Available Courses
Central Bedfordshire College Dunstable Main Campus
Starts: 08/09/2025
Type: Full Time
Length: 1 year
Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Time(s):
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Fees:
Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

Additional Learning Support

If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.

Financial Support

For information regarding financial support, please visit the Financial Support section to see the support you may be entitled to apply for.

Accessibility

We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.

 

Any questions?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.