Special educational needs colleges – like the InFocus College – offer invaluable services for young people with special educational needs and learning difficulties. These colleges provide a diversified curriculum, making the learning process easier and more efficient for those with specific learning challenges. Here’s what you can expect from specialist education colleges, such as ours.

How do we define special educational needs and disabilities?

Special educational needs and disabilities refer to any complex health, developmental and learning difficulties that affect the ability to learn.

Examples include:

• Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)
• Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Severe Learning disabilities (SLD)
• Moderate Learning needs (MLD)
• Multi-Sensory Impairment (MSI)
• Vision Impairment
• Cerebral Palsy
• Physical Needs
• Social and emotional needs

Each child is unique, thus, they experience different levels of difficulty in their learning and development. Hence the need for flexible learning plans and support to meet their specific needs.

Importance of learning for individuals with disabilities

Every child has a right to a good education, regardless of learning difficulties and disability. Without the right education and support, it can be difficult for students to reach their full potential.

However, not all mainstream schools are equipped to manage the needs of all students. This is where specialist colleges come in, offering bespoke programmes that meet each student’s specific needs.

We understand every child is different. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing for students regardless of their needs. Our programmes provide an inclusive environment that recognises and values every student’s unique abilities.

Expert, caring staff

Attending a special educational needs college means you’ll be surrounded by expert, caring staff dedicated to helping you reach your full potential. Staff at these colleges have extensive experience in working with students with special educational needs. 

Unlike mainstream colleges, they can provide tailored support for each individual student. They understand the unique challenges faced by those with special educational needs, and strive to create an environment where everyone feels safe, respected.

Our expert team includes:

• Experienced practitioners in vision impairment support for young adults with a particular specialism in CVI
• Rehabilitation and habilitation specialists (mobility and orientation)
• Specialist therapists, such as physiotherapists, speech and language therapists & occupational therapists
• Tutors in braille and access technology 
• Nurses
• Support workers
• Teachers

An onsite health team coordinates regular visits from other professionals to ensure that our residents receive the best possible care. Our onsite GP clinic provides comprehensive primary care services, while paediatricians, orthotic clinics, audiometry and ophthalmology specialists provide specialised care.

A range of learning opportunities

Students at InFocus have access to a wide range of learning opportunities that are tailored to their individual needs. Our specialist curriculum is designed to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in life. This focuses on aspects such as communication, problem-solving and independent living.

We cater for young people with a range of learning disabilities, such as:

• Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)
• Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Severe Learning disabilities (SLD)
• Moderate Learning needs (MLD)
• Multi-Sensory Impairment (MSI)
• Cerebral Palsy
• Physical Needs
• Social and emotional needs

We also provide a range of vocational courses that can help students gain qualifications and find employment. In addition, we offer plenty of activities and trips that help students develop their social skills and build confidence.

Study Programmes for Students with SEND

Students at InFocus have access to a wide range of learning opportunities that are tailored to their individual needs.

Our primary goal is to provide our students with the best education to prepare them for the challenges of the future. We recognise the importance of qualifications and certifications, though they are not the sole focus of our curriculum.

The curriculum aims to develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills among students. We want them to become independent thinkers who can adapt to various situations and challenges.

The curriculum focuses on five key areas of learning:

• Communication – Literacy, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
• Life skills – Focuses on numeracy, problem-solving and reasoning.
• Wellbeing – Personal Social Health & Economic Education, Relationships and Sex Education, Physical and Leisure.
• Community – Citizenship, Work Skills and Employability.
• Curiosity – Understanding the world around us.

By offering a broad range of learning, we can cater to the specific needs of our students and ensure that they receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the future.

Specialist onsite facilities

Students can benefit from specialist onsite facilities designed to meet their individual needs. These include sensory rooms, adapted classrooms and outdoor spaces, as well as specialist equipment such as wheelchairs and communication aids.

Students also have access to activities and therapies tailored to their needs, such as art therapy, music therapy and hydrotherapy.

 We have a range of specialist facilities, including:

• 25m heated swimming pool (for leisure and hydrotherapy)
• separate hydrotherapy pool
• well-equipped sensory room
• mechanical therapy horse
• trampolines for rebound therapy
• speech and language therapy rooms with communication aids and other equipment
• extensive outdoor sensory learning areas, including the discovery garden
• a separate site in the Devon countryside for forest school, horticulture and exploration – see West Hill Outdoor Learning Centre
• onsite radio station
• indoor and outdoor gym equipment

Safe and secure environment

At InFocus, we take the safety and security of our students very seriously. We have a range of measures in place to ensure that our campus is safe and secure at all times. Our staff are trained in safeguarding and emergency procedures, and we have CCTV cameras throughout the college grounds. 

All visitors must sign in and out of the college, and we have a strict no-smoking policy. We also have a dedicated team of support workers who are available 24/7 to provide assistance to our students.

A home from home for all young people

With our residential student village, students have the opportunity to live in a safe and supportive environment while attending school. Located on a 14 acre campus on the edge of Exeter, our student village provides students with a unique living experience.

For many of our students, this may be their first time away from home, so we go the extra mile to ensure they feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Our staff are dedicated to providing a warm and welcoming environment where everyone feels safe and respected.

Activities and events throughout the year to help our students make friends and build relationships with their peers. We also provide pastoral care and support to ensure that all our students are happy, healthy, and achieving their full potential.

Transitioning into adult life

As students with special needs reach adulthood, they face a daunting task of adjusting to life after education. This can be an overwhelming process for them and their families.

That’s why at InFocus, we offer support and guidance to our students as they move into adult life. Programmes include vocational training, work experience opportunities, and life skills to prepare them for work, supported living, or residential care.

Furthermore, we provide specialist support for students, such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy.

Learn more about InFocus

Are you looking for an educational college that caters to the specific needs of students with visual impairment and complex needs? Look no further than InFocus College.

For more information, please see our college prospectus. You can also contact us directly to speak with our friendly staff, who are happy to answer any questions you have. Get in touch by email at enquiries@infocus-charity.org.uk or call us on 01392 454200.