For young people who would like to continue their education when they leave school but do not have the entry requirements for local college courses then a personalised learning and work programme (PLWP) may suit them. This programme combines three elements:
education and training with the opportunity to gain further qualifications and employability skills
work experience and voluntary opportunities in an area suited to the young person’s interests and ideas with a sustained period of time in a placement with one or more organisations to help build a track record of experience for a CV as well as strengthen employability skills
leisure activities with the opportunity to meet and socialise with other students.
It is an individual person-centred programme based upon input from the student, parents/carers and support professionals. Students may progress on to further learning, volunteering, supported employment or a range of local activities in York.
This type of programme may be considered for learners whose needs cannot currently be met by existing programmes offered by:
York sixth form colleges
independent training providers
York College or Askham Bryan College
The PLWP courses provide an exciting alternative which places the focus on work experience in York accompanied by a bespoke package of learning which prepares the learner for real employment (or volunteering) and independent living, building towards living a full adult life in York.
Here are a couple of examples of personalised programmes currently experienced by students. The timetables are divided between educational and social care activities.
The aim of the below timetable is to build upon skills gained in school and support the student in their transition to adult life in York.
Morning |
Afternoon |
|
Monday |
Functional Skills: Literacy, numeracy; ICTMelbourne Centre |
Arts and Crafts workshopMelbourne Centre |
Tuesday |
Independent Living skillsPine Trees Hub (social care) |
|
Wednesday |
Independent Living SkillsPine Trees Hub (social care) |
|
Thursday |
Access to MusicMelbourne Centre |
Arts and Crafts CooperativeVia Blueberry Academy |
Friday |
Hydrotherapy |
Sensory workshop |
Support |
1:1 support for all activities |
The aim of the timetable below is to prepare for progression into an employment pathway at a local further education college or training provider or supported employment. The work experience element is likely to begin in the Autumn Term with three terms providing the skills based grounding to help progress to the next destination.
Morning |
Afternoon |
|
Monday |
Functional Skills: Literacy, numeracy, ICTMelbourne Centre |
Music WorkshopMelbourne Centre |
Tuesday |
Work experience in office skillsBlueberry Academy |
|
Wednesday |
Work experience in office skillsBlueberry Academy |
|
Thursday |
Independent Living Skills with refresher travel training |
Leisure activities |
Friday |
DAYS programmeRights and responsibilities accessing leisure servicesAskham Bryan College |
|
Support |
1:1 support |
Many young people (18 - 25 years) and their families/carers prefer to choose a range of activities in York. Most young people with complex needs want to have a full, varied and active week. Care Managers will support young people to plan a variety of carefully chosen activities. An example of a typical week is outlined below. Each timetable will differ depending upon the individual. For further advice and information on Community Activities please contact the Community Facilitators Team at acecommunityfacilitators@york.gov.uk
Morning |
Afternoon |
|
Monday |
Boccia Group (Tang Hall) |
Music/sensory group (Melborne Centre) |
Tuesday |
Sports group (Energise) |
Movers and Shakers (Burton Stone community centre) |
Wednesday |
Cooking group (BSLCC) |
Bowling (Ten Pin), dog walking or swimming |
Thursday |
Danceability (Energise) |
Wi-fi and sports group (Melborne Centre) |
Friday |
Sensory drop-in group (BSLCC) |
Hydro session (Energise) |
If a students needs can't be met locally than an application to an out-of-area Independent Specialist College to continue their learning might be considered.