Supported Studies FAQs

How many students are there in the Supported Studies department?

We have around 190 on 20 + programmes within 2 sub-provisions; Complex Needs (including Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties - PMLD) and Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD).

In line with the SEND Code of Practice, applicants with an EHC plan will be given a conditional offer to study at Barnet and Southgate College.

A successful enrolment is dependent on the consultation outcome communicated with the local authority in which the applicant resides.

For additional information on the consultation process please email EHCPconsultation@barnetsouthgate.ac.uk, alternatively, we advise you liaise directly with your SEND advisor within your local authority.

How can we apply for a place at the Pathway Centre?

The applicant and parents/guardians attend an EHCP Review meeting
The applicant's Local Authority sends consultation to the College
The College assesses the applicant
Funding is agreed
Welcome to the course!

How many students does the Pathway Centre offer places to every year? How are offers prioritised?

Numbers differ every year and depend on how many leavers we have every year. The sooner a consultation is received the sooner we will be able to respond. We have to assess and look at each student’s needs. In some cases, despite receiving a consultation, we may not be a suitable placement for a young person.

How long can my son/daughter stay in the Centre?

Places on all courses are funded for 1 year only. During EHCP reviews (that take place once a year) a young person’s progress is discussed and, if it can be demonstrated that there has been academic progress, local authorities may fund the next year. Most of our lovely learners stay with us for 3 years, but some may only study for one or two.

What courses do you offer?

The pathways we offer are below. It is worth remembering that consultations do not relate to specific pathways/courses but a place in the Centre. Once a consultation is received a young person is assessed and a place on a suitable programme is offered. We aim to take a young person’s interests and wishes into account but, at times, they may need to develop their skills before progressing to the course of their choice.

CURRICULUM STEPS

Steps 2-3	Steps 4-5	Steps 6-7	Step 8	Steps 9-10
Milestones 2-8	Milestone 8/Entry 1	Entry 1/Entry 2	Entry 2/Entry 3	Foundation Learning / Mainstream
Skills Pathway	Skills Pathway	Work Pathway / College Pathway	Work Pathway / College Pathway
Explore Learning Transition Pre-vocational skills	Pre-vocational Gateway Branching Out	New Dimensions Work Path Gateway Catering Work Path Development	Next Step Performing Arts CourseLink	Move Up / Bridging Course

Do you have “feeder” schools and are certain Local Authorities given priority when places are allocated?

We have developed very good relationships with a number of schools but we accept students from various local authorities.

Will the College help me secure funding for the following year in relation to my child’s placement?

Usually our recommendations from EHCP reviews are taken into consideration and LAs accept that a young person will progress to another course in the Centre in year 2 or 3 - so there is no need for parents to worry about securing funding.

How many hours a week will my child attend?

Full time education in an FE college = 16hrs a week.

All students attend College 4 days a week with one day off. The day off is consistent throughout the year.

There are 2 lessons in a day: 10:00-12:00 and 1:00-3:00. These lessons have a 15 minute break half way through. The students also have a one hour lunch break (12:00-1:00).

Do you follow the London Borough of Barnet’s school term dates or do you make your own?

We follow Barnet's term dates - please click here to see the College's term dates for 2024/25

What will my child learn and can they gain any qualifications?

Complex Needs groups have sensory curriculum with Maths and English embedded in all their sessions.

MLD groups have English and Maths as stand-alone subjects. They also have Tutorial sessions. We also offer:

Dance and drama
Sports
World of work
Art
Cooking
Independent living skills
Vocational subjects (specific to Catering and Performing Arts)

Subjects vary and depend on which pathway a young person is on.

What therapies do you offer?

We offer speech and language therapy, physio and hydro therapy and we have a nurse on site. We do not have an occupational therapist on site.

These services can only be accessed by a young person if their EHCP reflects that such input is necessary as part of their support package.

How big are classes in the Centre?

It depends on a group but classroom numbers vary between 6-12 students in a class.

Will my child have in class support?

Yes, if a young person’s EHCP clearly states that they need 1:1 support.

All MLD groups also have a Study Support Assistant who acts a group support. This is not the case in Complex Needs groups as the ratio of support is very high and most students have either 1:1 or 2:1 support.

My child needs support during breaks. Can they have it?

Yes, support team members are with students from the moment they arrive at College to the moment they leave the premises. This means that they accompany students throughout all their breaks.

Do you offer breakfast clubs?

No, young people should not arrive earlier than 9:30am.

Do you provide transport?

No. Most students in the Centre come to college on transport organised by their local authorities. This is an arrangement between families and their local authorities and we are not able to arrange that.