Care First: Further Education benefits from the support of an experienced and well-established clinical team, who have been supporting autistic individuals for many years.
Their combined expertise enables the development of innovative, tailored approaches that support the ongoing personal growth of learners at the college. The clinical team includes specialists in psychology, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.
The clinical team works closely with the education team to ensure that learners’ sensory, communication, and emotional needs are met. When these needs are supported, learners are better able to engage in sessions, develop key skills, and improve their overall quality of life.
Pastoral Support
While studying at the college, learners receive regular pastoral support and are assigned a lead staff member who oversees their progress. This includes planning, monitoring, and celebrating achievements.
The lead staff member also supports each learner’s transition and acts as a key point of contact for families. In addition, the pastoral team can signpost parents and families to external agencies for further support, information, advice, and guidance.
All learners take part in an induction process, regular progress updates, target setting, and reviews. Each year, a full review is conducted, focusing on the learner’s aspirations, goals, and progress.
Every learner’s programme is personalised to their individual needs. Careful consideration is given to timetables, support levels, and attendance patterns to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Our Approach
Our team
The Clinical Team is a multidisciplinary team comprising a range of professionals, including Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Creative Psychotherapists, Clinical and Assistant Psychologists, and Therapy Assistants. The clinical team supports education staff in creating a therapeutic environment that allows every child to learn, engage, and thrive.
How we work with our students
Students’ therapy is based on EHCP provision, and referrals are made to the Multidisciplinary Team Meetings, a collaborative effort that depends on the student’s current need and involves all stakeholders.
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and Language Therapists support young people’s communication. We work closely with school staff to embed a Total Communication Approach, where young people are free to communicate using whatever method of communication they prefer, e.g. body language, Makaton signing, pictures/symbols, spoken language and AAC (alternative and augmentative communication). We also work with young people to develop their speech sounds and social communication skills.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists work with young people to help them explore the world around them and develop the functional skills required to achieve essential activities in their daily lives in school and at home. We also collaborate closely with school staff and other professionals at a universal and enhanced level so that children can access therapeutic input throughout their school journey.
Cognitive, Social and Emotional Team
The role of the CSET team is to remove barriers, improve access to school and learning, and support skills for well-being and independence using clinical psychology and creative psychotherapy. Assistant psychologists support CSET with input, including individual and group sessions, assessments, and audits, and the clinical psychologist supervises them. The CSET team accepts referrals via school staff only, and work is joined up with external NHS agencies and social care as a part of the broader Social Emotional and Mental Health offer.
Mentors and Mentees
At Care First: Further Education, the mentor-mentee system is designed to provide students with extra support and guidance throughout their learning journey. Each mentor is a teacher who works closely with a small group of up to nine students. The mentor’s role is to offer academic help, encouragement, and advice, making sure that students stay on track with their studies and personal development.
Mentors and mentees have regular meetings, where students can discuss any challenges they are facing, set goals, and get support with their work. These sessions also help students build confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills. If a student needs additional support, mentors can help them access further resources or specialist staff.
The mentor-mentee system also focuses on well-being, ensuring that students feel comfortable and supported in their learning environment. Whether it’s help with coursework, planning for the future, or simply having someone to talk to, mentors play an important role in helping students succeed.