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Foundation Learning & Skills for Life

During this one year course, students will carry out two days a week work experience/volunteering work, examples include working at homes for the elderly, Chiswick allotments or Crane Park.

All students will do the following:

  • Functional Skills in English, ICT and Maths at the relevant level
  • Independent living skills including managing money, planning and going on trips, making a simple meal, sport and healthy eating
  • Work experience – up to 2 weeks work experience. Work experience can be near to home and our past students have worked for Tesco, British Heart Foundation charity shops and Marks and Spencer food hall
  • Working in the college’s Supported Learning shop ‘Serious Snacks’
  • Working in the college’s Supported Learning vegetarian café, ‘Apple Tree Café’
  • Working in the college’s Supported Learning garden.
  • Entry requirements

    Minimum Requirements - successful interview, satisfactory reference, an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) and be fully prepared to enter the workplace.

  • Who is the course for?

    You need to be motivated to undertake a course that could enable you to get a job in the near future. You will need to be able to show from your previous experience that you could benefit from the course. You will need to show that you have mature outlook, that you are able to work with a degree of responsibility and that you have commitment to full time education. Students come to this course from many different backgrounds and all can do very well.

  • Study methods

    You will learn Maths, English, ICT and Preparation for Employment. Other areas covered in the course will be:

    • Work experience
    • Career planning
    • Working with others
    • Communication skills
    • Searching and applying for jobs
    • Interview skills.
  • How is the course assessed?

    You will complete a series of assessed assignments throughout the course, together with practical work in literacy, numeracy and IT.

  • Where Next – Job Opportunities

    Each learner is encouraged to think about what they would like to do in the future and to concentrate on maintaining a high level of attendance and punctuality in all lessons as well as working hard to complete their work based learning and coursework. This course is for students who wish to progress on to part-time supported employment.

  • Where Next – Further Studies

    This course is for students who wish to progress on t part-time supported employment, however, progression tofurther study is possible.

  • Fees

    There will be some costs for cookery ingredients and trips.

  • How to apply

    To apply for a course either click the APPLY NOW button - fill out the form online and submit

    OR download an application form here and post it to the address on the form.
    When we have received your application we will contact you to arrange an interview time.

Course starting Sep 2025

Starts 2 September 2025

Duration 1 Year(s)

Location Richmond upon Thames Campus