East Riding’s first further education college for young people with learning disabilities will open in Beverley in September, despite the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Linkage College is an independent further education college offering a specialist learning experience to people aged 16-25 with a range of learning disabilities.
With three established campuses in Lincolnshire, the college has worked with the East Riding’s SEND Commissioning Team to expand to the region in order to meet the growing demand for a high-quality provision which prepares young people with learning disabilities for adulthood in the most appropriate way for them.
The new campus at Flemingate in Beverley will provide learners with what Linkage College’s 2020 Ofsted report described as “experiences that are life-changing”.
The newly renovated facilities offer a safe and calm learning environment just a stone’s throw away from the town’s plentiful opportunities for enrichment, community engagement and work placements.
Assistant Principal Sarah Boughen says;
“After the challenges coronavirus has thrown at us this year, we are really excited and, to be honest, very relieved to be opening in September as planned. Our campus in Beverley is the East Riding’s only specialist further education college provision.”
“Evidence shows there is a clear need for post-16 education for young people with learning disabilities in this area so we have felt an enormous responsibility to open and start supporting those young people and their families.”
“Being in Beverley means we’re within easy travelling distance for learners in Hull, the East Riding and wider Yorkshire. It also gives our learners access to shops, leisure activities, public transport and local businesses right on our doorstep.”
“From experience, we know that young people learn best through real-life experiences so access to these amenities is key for helping students gain the confidence, self-esteem, knowledge and skills to transition into adulthood with a greater amount of independence.”
“Whether it’s practising using money, travelling safely or getting them ready for employment through work experience and internships, learners are going to have so many opportunities available to them.”
As an independent college, Linkage is able to follow its own curriculum. Learners benefit from individualised study programmes based on their particular needs, aspirations and abilities. All courses are flexible, with learners able to choose whether to work towards non-accredited targets or qualifications.
The college welcomes new starters throughout the academic year and tours of the new campus are available now by appointment.
For more information visit www.linkage.org.uk/college
