Foundation Learning at Preston College

Foundation Learning courses are available to learners with Educational Health Care Plans and learners with Special Educational Needs. Courses are delivered by the School of Visual & Performing Arts and the School of Construction & the Built Environment at Preston College.

Foundation Learning courses aim to ensure that learners work to achieve targets in areas of vocational/academic learning, employment or social outcomes, and become as independent as possible. Courses usually last up to three years, but can vary as they are bespoke for each individual. Regular reviews take place to ensure that learners are on track to achieve their goals. Learners can enter or leave the programme at any point according to their individual aspirations and needs.

Learners also have the opportunity to undertake a supported internship with Lancashire County Council. This is an academic year long programme designed for young people aged 16-24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan, transitioning from education to paid employment. DFN Project SEARCH is a collaboration between Preston College, Lancashire County Council and Hft.

The goal for each intern is to gain paid employment of 16+ hours a week. To reach that goal, the programme provides real-life work experience placements within Lancashire County Council. This is combined with onsite daily classroom sessions in employability and independent living skills, to help young people with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions make successful transitions to a productive adult life.

Below is a closer look at our Foundation Learning course, the supported internship, as well as a taster session in Performing Arts with one of our Foundation Learning tutors, Rachel.

For more information and to apply, please click here.