SEND Provision at Gloucestershire College
We are fully committed to providing inclusive education, enriched experiences, and personalised learning for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) that prioritises developing independence and work readiness.
The College offers a broad vocational curriculum covering a wide range of sectors, as well as apprenticeships, higher education courses and discrete high needs provision.
Our Vision
At Gloucestershire College, we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all learners, including those with SEND, can thrive and achieve their full potential.
Our vision for supporting learners with SEND is founded on the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
We believe that every individual has unique talents, abilities, and aspirations, and we are dedicated to removing barriers and providing tailored support to ensure that all learners can access and succeed in their chosen education and training pathways.
"Cross College"
Our cross-college offer includes vocational courses from Level 1 to 3, where SEND learners receive personalised support tailored to their needs. This can include in-class support, mentoring, assistive technology, exam access arrangements, mental health counselling, and additional tuition. Support is regularly reviewed to ensure progress and adaptation to individual learning styles. These provisions also extend to the College’s apprenticeship courses, ensuring all learners have the resources they need to succeed.
Discrete HNS
Discrete HNS refers to the College’s provisions specifically designed for high needs learners, with a focus on developing independence and supporting employability. This includes the following College provisions:
· Foundation Studies and Supported Internships
· Harbour House
· Steam Mills Place
· Quayside Centre
Foundation Studies
Foundation Studies, based in its own dedicated area at Cheltenham Campus, offers a supportive learning environment with small groups of 10-12 learners, guided by teachers and support staff. Through transition activities and personalised assessments, students follow a tailored curriculum focused on independent living and employability skills, aligned with Preparing for Adulthood objectives. The goal is to help learners reach their potential, progress academically or towards employment, and develop skills for independent adulthood.
Harbour House
Harbour House, located in Alexandra Warehouse near Gloucester Campus, provides a secure and supportive environment for up to 40 learners with severe learning difficulties and complex care needs. With restricted access and small group settings, it focuses on fostering independence and preparing learners for adulthood, employment, or volunteering opportunities.
Steam Mills Place
Steam Mills Place, based at the Cinderford campus, offers a secure and dedicated space for up to 20 learners with severe learning difficulties and complex care needs. Mirroring the Harbour House provision, it delivers a personalised learning experience focused on fostering independence, confidence, and life skills. With small group settings and tailored support, the centre helps learners transition into adulthood, with pathways towards employment, volunteering, or further education.
Quayside Centre
Quayside Centre supports up to 25 young people with complex SEND, mental health challenges, and educational disruptions. With a high staff-to-learner ratio, it offers tailored learning, flexible timetables, and a personalised curriculum. Through trauma-informed practice and pastoral support, the centre helps build confidence and resilience, guiding learners toward education, employment, or training within 2-3 years.
Higher Education
The College has offers several different HNC and HND courses across a range of vocations.
Whilst support is available for SEND learners on these courses, it is essential that learners are aware of the need to make a DSA application.
More information about applying for DSA, can be found at the link below.
https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa
If you have questions about the support that is available on our HE courses, please contact learning.support@gloscol.ac.uk.
