Care First: Further Education is a specialist education provider for young people aged 16-25 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
As part of Options Autism, we deliver personalised study programmes designed to help learners build independence, confidence, qualifications and real employability skills.
Our specialist provision is delivered across Great Barr, Walsall and Tamworth, supporting young people across the West Midlands as they prepare for adulthood, further training and employment.
Personalised Study Programmes
Every learner at Care First: Further Education follows a structured four-phase study programme designed to support progression from foundation learning to employment readiness.
Learners begin at the level that best matches their needs following an initial assessment, ensuring they start from a meaningful and achievable point.
Our programmes include:
- Functional Skills in English and maths
- Vocational qualifications and career pathways
- Employability training and work experience
- Life skills and independence development
- Personal development and wellbeing support
Vocational Courses
Learners can explore a range of industry-linked vocational pathways, depending on their interests and progress.
Available subjects include:
- Business Administration
- Hospitality and Catering
- Construction: Woodwork and Creative Crafts
- Digital Skills
- Health and Social Care
- Occupational Studies
These programmes combine practical learning with real-world skill development to help learners prepare for future careers.
Supported Internships
Learners progressing to the final phase of study can access supported internships, designed to prepare them for real employment.
During this stage, learners spend two days per week in a real workplace, gaining valuable experience while developing workplace confidence, job skills and independence.
Preparing for Adulthood
Learning at Care First: Further Education goes beyond the classroom. As part of a holistic study programme, we focus on supporting our young people to develop:
Independent living and life skills:
- Budgeting and money management
- Cooking, healthy eating and proper food handling
- House cleaning and other chores
- Personal Health
- Personal Hygiene
- Setting a personal routine
- Shopping
Community inclusion and belonging:
- Personal Development
- Preparation for Work
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- Community based activities
Our enrichment programme helps learners build confidence, independence and social skills through activities such as:
- Duke of Edinburgh Award
- Community volunteering projects
- Sports and wellbeing activities
- Creative clubs and enrichment sessions
- Visits to universities and employers
Our Campuses
Care First: Further Education delivers specialist further education across three campuses in the West Midlands:
- Great Barr: Baltimore Road, Birmingham, B42 1DY
- Walsall: MFCA King George Crescent, Walsall, WS4 1EU
- Tamworth: Silica Road, Amington, Tamworth, B77 4DT
Find Out More About Care First: Further Education
If you are a young person, parent, school, or local authority seeking specialist further education provision for a learner with an EHCP, Care First: Further Education could be the next step.
Contact Admissions today to learn more about our programmes or discuss a referral.
Contact Us