Derwent Autism Provision Individualised Programme 2025-26

Our Derwent Autism Provision at East Durham College is a supportive, inclusive, and exciting post-16 provision. Within the department we have a range of young people all of whom require additional support as they transition into and out of college. Some individuals may have had an unsuccessful educational placement therefore we carry out individualised baseline assessments to identify an appropriate programme, meeting their individual needs and targets. Learners can expect to develop their social and emotional skills while improving their life skills.

Derwent is a three-day programme which incorporates lessons such as Personal and Social Development, Life skills, Independence skills, Individualised Work Skills, Vocation, Maths and English. All of which help support the ‘Preparing for Adulthood Outcomes'.

Here at Derwent we offer: Life Skills, Independent Living, Maths, English, Work Experience, Travel Training, Skills for Working Life, Personal Progress, Employability, Health, Friendships & Relationships, as well as a range of specific vocational subject areas.

Our Derwent Autism Provision aims to give learners with Autism, who may have additional support needs, learning difficulties and/or disabilities an opportunity to engage with post-16 education and to achieve their individual goals.

For some learners this will involve progression to a mainstream programme, paid and voluntary employment as well as improving life skills.

Our Derwent Autism Provision intends to provide students with Autism with a supportive progression pathway, meeting their individual needs. A review of progression is carried out each year where opportunities are explored. This could be within East Durham College or external providers.

Suitability of provision is assessed on an individualised basis which will be explored at application and consultation stage.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

East Durham College's Houghall Campus is committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment for all our students. The campus, some of which is over 80 years old, has seen over £40m invested in new facilities over recent years. However, there are still some aspects of the site which are not fully accessible and would cause an issue for those with limited mobility or wheelchair users and due to the nature of the site, adjustments may not always be reasonable at this stage. The College is committed to further investment and improvements of the site, as we work towards ensuring the campus is as accessible as possible. If you have limited mobility or are a wheelchair user and wish to undertake a course at the Houghall Campus, please contact Student Services on 0191 375 4710 in the first instance to discuss your needs and options.

The course is assessed through a range of assessment methods in order to give all learners the best opportunity of evidencing their progress and achieving all elements of the course. These include the creation of portfolios, completion of coursework and participation in practical activities which are assessed through observation by a tutor.

September 2025.

All our programmes within Derwent Autism Provision last for one full academic year (September - July) with a yearly review of the suitability of provision in relation to need and ability.