Supported studies FAQs

Who are Supported Studies programmes for?

Supported Studies is for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including students with learning disabilities and complex support needs.

Our programmes are personalised to help you develop skills, confidence and independence while working towards your own goals for adulthood, further learning and employment.

How do I apply for Supported Studies?

Most students join Supported Studies through an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan consultation.

Your local authority will send a consultation request to the College. We will review the information and consider whether we can meet your educational and support needs.

If we believe we can provide an appropriate programme and support, we will work with you, your parents or carers, and your local authority to discuss the next steps.

Can I apply directly to a specific pathway?

No. The consultation process is for a place within Supported Studies rather than a specific pathway.

We will assess your strengths, interests, aspirations and support needs before recommending the most appropriate programme.

Our focus is on finding the right starting point for you and helping you work towards your long-term goals.

What pathways are available?

Supported Studies includes a range of personalised programmes designed to help students progress towards greater independence, further learning and employment.

Broad areas of learning include:

• skills for independence and adult life
• communication and personal development
• preparation for work and employment
• further study and progression opportunities
• community participation

Your individual programme will be tailored to your needs and aspirations.

What will I learn?

This depends on your programme and individual goals.

You may study:

• communication and social skills
• English and maths
• independent living skills
• personal development
• employability skills
• vocational and practical activities
• health and wellbeing
• community and life skills
• Learning is designed to support your progress towards adulthood and greater independence.

Will I work towards qualifications?

Some students work towards nationally recognised qualifications.

Others focus on personalised learning goals linked to communication, independence, employability or preparation for adulthood.

We will discuss the most appropriate outcomes for your programme during assessment and review meetings.

How many days a week will I attend college?

Supported Studies students usually attend college for four days each week.

Your timetable will be confirmed before you start and will include your attendance days, learning programme and support arrangements.

What support is available?

Support is personalised and based on your assessed needs.

This may include:

• support in lessons
• communication support
• assistance with developing independence
• personal and social development support
• preparation for adulthood programmes
• specialist interventions where appropriate

Our aim is to help you become as independent and confident as possible.

Will I have support during breaks and lunchtime?

Support arrangements vary according to individual need.

Where support during breaks or lunchtime forms part of your agreed provision, appropriate arrangements will be put in place.

These details will be discussed before you start college.

Are specialist therapy services available?

Some students access specialist therapy services as part of their agreed support provision.

Services may include:

• speech and language therapy
• occupational therapy
• physiotherapy
• hydrotherapy
• music therapy
• rebound therapy

Access to therapy depends on individual assessment, identified need and agreed provision.

For more information, visit our Specialist Therapy Services page.

Do I need an EHC plan?

Many students have an EHC plan, but individual circumstances can vary.

If you are unsure whether Supported Studies may be suitable for you or your young person, please contact our team for advice.

How long can I remain on a Supported Studies programme?

This depends on your individual circumstances, progress and long-term goals.

Placements are reviewed regularly through the annual review process for students with EHC plans.

Decisions about future study are made in partnership with the student, parents or carers, the College and the local authority.

What happens after Supported Studies?

Every programme is designed to help you move towards your next step.

This might include:

• another College course
• supported employment
• paid employment
• further training
• greater independence
• increased participation in community life

We will help you develop skills and confidence that support your future ambitions.

Does the College provide transport?

The College does not arrange home-to-college transport.

If transport support is required, this is usually discussed with your local authority. Eligibility and arrangements vary depending on where you live and your individual circumstances.

Can I get financial support?

Some students may be eligible for financial support during their studies.

Support available and eligibility criteria can change, so we recommend checking our latest financial support information or speaking with our Student Services team.

Do you offer a breakfast club?

Supported Studies does not currently offer a breakfast club.

Students should only arrive on campus at their agreed arrival time.

Where can I find local SEND information?

Your local authority can provide information about services and support available in your area through its SEND Local Offer.

Useful resources include:

Barnet SEND Local Offer

Enfield SEND Local Offer

Haringey SEND Local Offer