InFocus College Prospectus

Inspiring, challenging and empowering young people to live their best lives

InFocus College provides specialist further education for young people aged 16–25 with visual impairments, visual difficulties and complex needs. Our mission is to help students reach their potential, maximise independence and find their place in the world.

Welcome to InFocus College

As Principal, I would like to welcome you to InFocus College.

Our College is designed to guide young people towards a secure and fulfilling future. We help students develop the skills they need for adult life, whether that means living independently or with ongoing support.

Students are inspired, motivated and challenged through personalised further education pathways that support both their visual impairment and any additional needs.

As part of the wider InFocus community, students benefit from a diverse range of opportunities and specialist support. Our commitment is to help every student discover their potential and prepare for their next steps through a blend of learning, work experience, community involvement and independence-building.

Catherine Scott Baker
College Principal

About InFocus College

InFocus College offers bespoke further education courses for young people aged 16–25 from across the UK.

We provide:

• Residential placements
• Day placements
• Highly personalised programmes of study
• Specialist support for visual impairment and complex needs

Students do not need a diagnosed visual impairment to attend. Any visual difficulty is sufficient, and our specialist team provides tailored support to meet a wide range of needs.

Our programmes help students:

• Improve communication
• Develop self-advocacy skills
• Explore their potential
• Increase independence
• Prepare for adulthood

The Wider InFocus Charity

InFocus College is part of InFocus Charity, which supports young people and adults with visual impairments and complex needs.

Additional services include:

Residential Care Centre

St David’s House and Martin House provide nursing and social care support for young adults.

Supported Living

Community-based houses offering independence with the right level of support.

Adult Day Services

Jigsaw provides activities, social opportunities and support five days a week.

Life and Living Skills Programme

Helping adults develop essential skills for greater independence and a fulfilling future.

Together, these services create a supportive lifelong community.

Our Curriculum

InFocus College combines education, therapy, assistive technology and specialist support to deliver meaningful learning experiences.

Our curriculum is built around five key areas.

Core Life Skills

Helping students embrace life to the fullest through:

• Communication skills
• Literacy
• Numeracy
• ICT
• Assistive technology
• Functional vision development

Social and Community

Supporting healthy and happy lives through:

• Pursuing interests and hobbies
• Building relationships
• Meeting new people
• Reducing barriers associated with disability

Voice and Choice

Supporting self-advocacy through:

• Expressing opinions
• Making informed choices
• Managing money
• Developing healthy lifestyles
• Managing relationships

Independence

Building daily living skills through:

• Independent living
• Self-care routines
• Resilience
• Mobility and travel skills

Work

Preparing students for meaningful occupation through:

• Workplace skills
• Work experience
• Volunteering opportunities
• Active citizenship

Qualifications

Students can work towards a range of qualifications, including:

• GCSE English
• GCSE Maths
• Functional Skills Level 1 and 2
• Ascentis Stepping Stones to Functional Skills
• ASDAN Personal Progress
• ASDAN Personal and Social Development
• ASDAN Employability
• AQA Unit Award Scheme in Braille
• Other bespoke qualifications and accreditation pathways

Qualifications are available where appropriate but are not the sole focus of learning.

College Pathways

All students follow an ambitious and highly personalised programme based on their EHCP outcomes, goals and aspirations.

Pioneer Pathway

Focus

Developing independence and work skills with the aim of progressing to:

• Independent living
• Supported living
• Paid employment
• Volunteering

What Students Experience

• Structured learning programmes
• Community engagement
• Music
• Sport and exercise
• Student radio
• Creative activities
• Work experience

Outcomes

Students learn to apply skills in real-life situations, including:

• Shopping
• Community travel
• Workplace environments
• Social interactions

Endeavour Pathway

Focus

Developing:

• Independence
• Self-advocacy
• Daily living skills

What Students Experience

Students make increasing choices about their learning and take greater ownership of their programmes.

Greater support is available from specialist teams when needed.

Outcomes

Students often progress towards:

• Supported living
• Meaningful social participation
• Volunteering opportunities
• Community involvement

Discovery Pathway

Focus

Increasing:

• Engagement
• Participation
• Communication
• Decision-making

Who It Supports

Often suitable for students with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

What Students Experience

• Assistive technology
• Augmentative and alternative communication
• Specialist therapy support
• Visual impairment support
• Healthcare support

Outcomes

Students can achieve:

• Improved communication
• Greater mobility
• Increased independence
• Increased participation in daily life

Transition Pathway

Focus

Supporting young adults who need additional preparation before adulthood.

What Students Experience

• Independent living skills
• Employability skills
• Work skills development
• Supported internships
• Practical learning

Flexible Options

The programme may be delivered as:

• Full-time study
• Part-time study
• Supported internships

Students may also access residential and day services alongside their learning.

Work Experience

Work experience is included in every pathway and helps learners develop skills for independence and employment.

Practical Outcomes

Students gain experience in:

• Work skills
• Travel and mobility
• Social interaction
• Confidence building
• Medication management
• Budgeting
• Planning

In-House Opportunities

Students may gain experience through:

• Charity retail shops
• eBay trading operations
• The InFocus Café
• Gardening and horticulture

External Opportunities

We work with local businesses and organisations to provide placements aligned with students’ interests and aspirations.

Supported Internships

Students can access supported internships with guidance from mentors and job coaches to bridge the gap between education and employment.

Specialist Staff Team and Facilities

Specialist support is embedded throughout every student’s learning experience.

Specialist Team

Our multidisciplinary team includes:

• Vision impairment practitioners
• CVI specialists
• Rehabilitation and habilitation specialists
• Braille tutors
• Assistive technology tutors
• Specialist nurses
• Speech and language therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Intervenors
• Qualified tutors
• Experienced support workers

Our on-site health clinic also coordinates support from:

• Paediatricians
• Orthotists
• Audiologists
• Ophthalmologists
• Psychologists

Specialist Facilities

Our 13-acre campus includes:

• 25-metre heated swimming pool
• Hydrotherapy pool
• Sensory room
• Mechanical therapy horse
• Rebound therapy trampolines
• Specialist communication equipment
• Specialist mobility equipment
• Discovery garden
• Forest school
• Radio station
• Music room
• Indoor gym equipment
• Outdoor gym equipment
• Accessible training kitchen
• Independent living skills flat

Visual Impairment Expertise

InFocus traces its origins to the West of England Blind Institute, founded in 1838.

We employ a dedicated in-house team of specialists, ensuring visual impairment expertise is embedded throughout the organisation.

Support Available

Students can access:

• Braille tuition
• Moon literacy support
• Tactile communication support
• Assistive technology training
• Mobility support
• Specialist therapy

Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)

InFocus has particular expertise in supporting young people with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI).

We use a specialist CVI Range assessment to establish a baseline and identify adaptations and interventions that can improve functional vision.

Our approach supports students to increase:

• Independence
• Self-advocacy
• Functional vision
• Participation in everyday activities

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Students can attend college as:

• Day students
• Residential students

Flexible options include:

• Weekly residential placements
• Termly residential placements
• Respite placements
• Split placements with partner colleges

Learning takes place across:

• Classrooms
• Therapy rooms
• Residential environments
• Community settings
• College grounds

Residential Life

Residential students live in a student village on our campus in Exeter.

We aim to create a welcoming and supportive environment where students can develop confidence and independence.

Accommodation Features

• Adapted kitchens
• Adjustable work surfaces
• Talking appliances
• Accessible bedrooms
• Hoists where required
• Shared social spaces

Independent Living Skills

Students develop practical skills including:

• Cooking
• Laundry
• Budgeting
• Communication
• Numeracy
• Literacy

Social Opportunities

Students can take part in:

• Evening activities
• Weekend trips
• Community outings
• Social events

About InFocus Charity

InFocus Charity has supported people with visual impairments for over 180 years.

The charity includes:

• InFocus College
• Residential Care Centre
• Supported Living Services
• Adult Day Services
• Life and Living Skills Programme

Students become part of the wider InFocus community and can maintain connections through alumni opportunities.

Visit InFocus College

We encourage prospective students, families and professionals to visit our campus and see our specialist provision in action.

Our admissions team is available to discuss individual needs, aspirations and placement options.

Email: college@infocus-charity.org.uk

Telephone: 01392 454200