Colleges, sixth forms and training providers
The council are working with young people, parents and carers, colleges, training providers and employers to develop pathways and appropriate provision to meet the needs of young people with special educational needs or disability (SEND).
From year 9, you should start discussing preparing for adulthood, which is part of your annual reviews and phased transitions to support planning for college/post-16 provision. A guide has been developed by NDTI on a year 9 annual review (external link).
Learn more about the preparing for adulthood local offer and what that means for you and your family. You can find up-to-date lists of all independent schools and colleges for children with SEND on gov.uk (external link).
It is important that you start considering looking at colleges as early as possible to support that transition to post-16 education. You can do this by exploring their courses, attending post-16 open days, and speaking to staff. You can also consider colleges/employment, independence including transport, community, and health. Should you have any questions, you can contact your allocated EHCP coordinator or contact the SEND team.
Local
Many young people will be able to attend their local college/post-16 provider who offers a range of courses and qualifications. A list of the local colleges can be found below. Depending on where you live in the borough, these may also be regional colleges.
Regional
Some young people with an EHCP with more complex needs may need to attend some of our alternative or special post-16 college/providers. This should be discussed at your annual review.
- The Ark (external link) - a dedicated SEND institution specialising in hair and beauty education for post-16 students and a tailored program to develop students’ physical, social, health, citizenship and economic education
- Elysium Training (external link) - specialising in working with young people who have barriers to learning and are passionate about helping people to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours to progress into employment
- Fix-It UK Ltd - deliver motor vehicle and social and personal development training, and are able to cater for young people and adults who may have physical, social, mental health, learning difficulties, disabilities or behavioural issues. For further details, call 01942 864936 for visit the Fix-It UK website (external link)
- GK Training Services Limited (external link) - offering ages 16-18 an individualised, structured study programme to support them to develop and build confidence, and assist with progression towards adulthood
Maintained specialist post-16 provisions
These are special post-16 institutions that are maintained by Wigan Council. Like an alternative provider, these need discussing at your annual review.
Independent special post-16 institutions
These are independent educational settings that provide specialist education and support of young people with SEND beyond the age of 16. These need discussing at your annual review.
- Expanse Learning (external link) - an independent specialist college offering education, support and personal development for young people aged 16-24 with SEND/social, emotional and mental health (SEMH). Expanse Learning believes that everyone, regardless of their current situation and starting point, can achieve and make progress towards their goals and aspirations with the right package of education and care provision
- Fir Tree CIC (external link) - an independent specialist college for young people aged 16- 25 with learning disabilities or SEMH needs that require a personalised approach to their education, health and wellbeing
- TMP College (The Music Project) (external link) - providing specialised curriculum for young people and adults in music, creative digital media, games design, media make-up and SFX, and performing arts