The STRIVE study programme has been developed to provide expert tuition along with guidance and support for young adults with profound and multiple learning difficulties.  The programme focuses on exploring the interests of the students so that they and their families will be able to develop networks and participate in activities within their own communities.

The timetable will include:

• Communication
• Cognition
• Physical: both functional physical and swimming
• Personal care and independence
• Creative, sensory and exploring the world around us

The programme is delivered over 4 days a week in an informal or semi-formal way to ensure individualised learning takes place.  All students will be fully engaged and challenged through a wide range of multi-sensory activities through visits to places of interest, taking part in community initiatives and charity events and building a support network to aid a smooth transition at the end of their placement within STRIVE.

This is achieved over three years:

Year 1

Induction into college life focusing on routines and expectations.

Establishing secure relationships with students and their parents / carers.

Focusing on improving the students’ cognition and communication.

Focusing on developing the students’ self- help and independence skills.

Assessment evidenced through a sensory and physical curriculum using Engagement indicators.

Developing a holistic approach to Health Care and Behaviour Plans.

Establishing and maintaining parental / carer liaison.

Engaging in the wider community to develop the students’ curiosity in the world around them and in the exploration of their individual interests.

Identifying key outside agencies that may be required post transition – have they got the support they need and are all relevant agencies aware of each of the students?

Year 2

Continuing to show progress with the students’ cognition and communication.

Reviewing and further developing  the students’ self-help and independence skills.

Assessment evidenced through a sensory and physical curriculum using Engagement indicators.

Focusing on the individual student interests established in Year 1 and building on those interests.

Reviewing of Health Care and Behaviour Plans.

Engaging in student specific communities.

Maintaining parental / carer liaison with the focus starting to be on the transition needs of their son or daughter.

Continuing to build relationships with the key outside agencies that may be required post transition.

Year 3

Transition into adulthood – identifying key areas of concern/development needed for successful transition.

Curriculum as in Year 1 and 2.

Parental / carer engagement in identifying suitable exit routes.

Securing any additional social care, health care or other outside agency support and ensuring families are engaged in this process.

Transition visits and plans.

Throughout the 3 years all students will have the opportunity to:

• Strive: to be independent
• Strive: to be part of their community
• Strive: to communicate their desires and needs
• Strive: to be as mobile as possible
• Strive: to achieve their individual goals

As well as a teachers and teaching assistants, the team will be supported by personal care staff and a nurse dedicated to the STRIVE students. There is also a dedicated Parent and Community Worker to guide and support the students and their families through the Transition process.