Berkshire College of Agriculture

Schools extended Local Offer response

Teaching and learning

Students in the Foundation department are taught in small classes, with a learning coach to support them.

The curriculum is varied, including opportunities to work outdoors with the animals and in the countryside, as well as IT, personal development, life skills and functional skills.

Students have individual programmes, working towards agreed targets.

Identifying and assessing Special Educational Needs

Staff know the students well and are able to respond to any failure to thrive or changes in behaviour.

Tutorials are recorded and parents or carers will be involved at the earliest opportunity where there is cause for concern.

Tutors contribute to PEP meetings for looked after children.

Involving parents and children/young people in planning and reviewing progress

Stud Students contribute to their target setting in their tutorials, there are parents’ evenings once or twice a year which give opportunities to discuss progress with the tutor.

Parents are encouraged to keep in contact either by phone or email if they have particular concerns.

All students in the college are expected to fill in questionnaires about their views on the college, and to take part in focus groups.

Additional support

Support in College is given according to information from students' EHC plans or transition plans. This can range from a shared learning coach, to individual support.

Classes are small and structured and staff understand that some students struggle to be in the classroom. Programmes can be adapted to meet individual needs.

Students are included in all aspects of college life and share the facilities such as canteens, common rooms and outdoor areas with the rest of the college.

Extra activities

All courses include ‘enrichment’ which broadens the experience of the students.

The college has a team of ‘Student Development Officers’ (SDOs) who organise sporting and social activities across the college. All the courses will include some trips and visits.

Meeting social and emotional needs of children/young people

Personal Social Development is a part of the curriculum in Foundation.

Where tutors are concerned about the wellbeing of the students they can refer them to the welfare officer who can support them to get the help they need.

This could be in conjunction with families and other agencies where appropriate. The SDOs are always available to listen to students and support them if they have worries about anything inside or outside college, including bullying.

Keeping up to date with knowledge and skills

Teachers and learning coaches are kept up to date through training and attending conferences.  There are regular observations to ensure that standards are kept high.

Transitions

Young people wishing to enrol on a course at BCA can come to an open day or arrange a personal visit. They will be interviewed and if offered a place, will be encouraged to attend a taster day. A transition programme of further visits will be arranged to suit the young person. 

When it is time to move on, students are supported in their next step, either to another course at BCA or signposted to another college, employment or another agency.

Helpful contacts

• Check BCA website.