RHACC Supported Learning

Why might it be of interest?

When our young people are no longer in full-time, or almost full-time, education it can be challenging to imagine what they will do with their days.  Taking a course, or more than one at a time, at RHACC will fill a morning or afternoon once or twice a week and help to give a purpose and structure to their days and weeks.

The courses available through Supported Learning are not intended to replace full-time college and places may be limited depending on demand.

The link above will take you directly to the Supported Learning pages which has links to a brochure about the courses the college provides.  The actual course listing which includes dates seems to be out of date but there are contact details to find out more about current courses.

The following notes are from a visit I made to RHACC in February 2022.  I was sitting in the canteen talking to one of the supported learning team.  It was clear that he was well known to students as several greeted him at some point.  Students had their tea break while I was there and it was great to see students in friendship groups, looking comfortable with where they were and managing in the canteen independently – a very positive experience.  We have also had positive reports from parents about the college and courses.

RHACC offers a range of course to adults, 19+ with no top age limit, who need support to access courses and learn.  Mainstream course are also available to adults with learning support needs.  Most supported learning courses are free, although some may have a small charge for materials used on the course, eg ingredients for a cooking course.

Supported Learning courses are usually 36 weeks, starting in September and finishing the following July.  Students can’t join courses part way through.  Occasionally the college will have funding for short courses.

Young people need to apply for a course by getting in touch with the supported learning team.  They will be asked to come for an interview and assessment.  Not all students will be accepted.  For example, when the college can’t offer the right support.  The college is not able to support complex needs or challenging behaviour.  But please talk to the supported learning team if you have any questions around whether your young person could attend.

Courses are popular and fill up quickly so potential students should apply as soon as they know that they may want to attend a course at the college.  Supported Learning does not have an open day but parents and students can arrange visits during college hours.

The college does not offer full-time placements.  For students over 16 full time education is 3 days a week and this is not something the college is set up to do – they are not trying to replace school or further education college and they are definitely not daycare.  However, students can attend more than one course so they might do cookery and numbers on Wednesday morning and pottery all day Thursday.  The college recommend that students moving from school or Further Education start with a half day or day course and build up from that.

The courses are structured education but they are not qualification driven.  Students have a personal learning plan and targets on that plan.  Students might be attending a course to gain new skills or to help maintain current skills.  Students can return each year as long as they are still gaining something from the courses.  This might be simply having a structured day in their week and maintaining current skills.

There are about 10 students in a class with a teacher and one or two learning support assistants.  The college doesn’t have funding for 1-1 support but a student could come with their own PA – either someone who stays in the classroom with them or stays on-site to help during breaks.  If a student brings their own PA the PA must be DBS checked.

The supported learning students are part of the wider adult community college – their classes are not in a separate building or part of the college – and supported learning students use the canteen alongside mainstream students.  The classrooms used are mostly on the ground floor – safety considerations should they need to exit the building in an emergency – but some are in other buildings on-site.

Every learner has a learner profile and where relevant an evacuation plan.  There are quiet spaces and alternative entrances for students who would struggle with a busy environment – and some days are very busy.

Courses are offered over 5 days a week.  The quietest day is Friday.  And there are 3 locations – Richmond, Merton and Surbiton.  There are no residency restrictions – so it doesn’t matter where you live – you can attend a course at RHACC.

Funding

Most courses are free although some may have a small charge for materials used on the course, eg ingredients for a cooking course.

Students on mainstream courses may be able to receive support from the supported learning team – they must disclose their disability and support needs and they must not be making any financial contribution to the cost of the course.  Most mainstream courses do have a cost associated but disabled students may be able to take the course for free or at a discount but if they are paying anything due to a funding quirk they would not be eligible for supported learning support.

Bursary funding is available for transport in the household income is under £30,000.  This does mean the income of the household not just the young person if they are living with their parents.  The college does not organise transport but will help with the funding application.

Contact information

https://www.rhacc.ac.uk/schools/supported-learning

Email: supportedlearning@rhacc.ac.uk

Call:    020 8891 5907

For Merton courses:

Email: mertonoutreach@rhacc.ac.uk

Call:    07956 934469