Preparing people for the world of work at Hereward College
HEREWARD College has been providing specialist education to young people with disabilities and additional needs for almost 50 years.
The college supports both day and residential learners on its Coventry campus with a whole range of needs which include autism, physical difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties and complex difficulties.
Students can choose from an academic or vocational study programme in a number of subject areas.
Courses are tailored to suit, and learners are encouraged to develop their employability skills through work experience, enterprise projects, taster sessions and placements along with the skills needed for independent living.
Providing students with the ability and confidence to make decisions about their future is at the heart of what the college does.
Since 2014, Hereward College has been able to offer supported internships to the young people of Coventry and Warwickshire.
Supported internships are a 12-month study programme for 16 to 25-yearolds with an education, health and care plan who need extra support getting into work.
Learners take part in a supported internship at one of the college’s partner employers and gain valuable work experience supported by a Job Coach.
Since launching the programme, Hereward has seen a year on year increase in applications for the supported internships with consistently high numbers of learners progressing into work.
The opportunities provided by employers are also on the rise with more and more regional and local businesses keen to work with the college.
The opening of a Premier Inn training centre on campus is testament to this. With just three bedrooms, a reception desk and linen room, the ‘mini-hotel’ helps students learn skills in the hospitality industry.
Students learn the basics of housekeeping, customer service and food preparation, and this year will be able to expand their skills thanks to the development of a new catering kitchen and café.
Last year three students went on to permanent paid employment at the Holiday Inn in Kenilworth as a result of their supported internship with the hotel, working in the roles of housekeeping, general maintenance, and events.
Luke, maintenance team, said: “The staff have been so encouraging and given me the confidence, communication skills and independence that I didn’t have before.”
“I’ve learnt so many different skills on my internship placement and it is a privilege to be able to continue working here.”
As part of its practical curriculum, the college is delighted to be able to offer construction skills training this year.
Learners will develop practical and specialist trade skills in health and safety, bricklaying, plastering, tiling and decorating supported by expert staff in a dedicated onsite workshop.
In Hereward College’s latest report, Ofsted said: “A wide range of support for highly complex, personal needs enables learners to be more independent and prepares them well for employment.”
This was also reflected in a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection where the college was awarded ‘Outstanding’ for care at its onsite residential accommodation.
Young people who stay at Hereward either as a residential student or access the respite services find it’s a great way to develop independence, gain confidence and take control over their own care with the support of experienced staff.
Shopping, cooking, washing, ironing, budgeting and using public transport are just a few of the life skills that the young people who stay at the college develop.
It’s not all work – there are also a number of organised trips and activities on offer throughout the year.
The CQC said that the young people are, ‘truly respected and valued as individuals; and empowered as partners in their care in an exceptional service.’
Staff demonstrate their commitment to student care, respect the wishes and choices of the young people while supporting them to work towards long-term goals and targets to achieve further independence.
Paul Cook, principal, says, “We support students to live the life they deserve. Independence is huge. It’s one of our main aims. We help the students develop life-skills based around their aims to be independent.”
Hereward College holds open events and showcase days throughout the year. To find out more visit www.hereward.ac.uk