PASTEL aims to achieve its soft skills training outcomes by embedding the training in fun activities eg (eg mime, drama, puppetry, music, food preparation, media studies etc...) and provide a sustainable organisation and facilities where people with learning disabilities can meet, socialise and learn and improve the quality of their life, in a safe and friendly environment.

PASTEL is being managed and developed by Parent/Carer supported by specialist tutors and other professionals, as required.

PASTEL is developing a sustained programme balancing physical activities with intellectual and cognitive activities.

The Admission Policy requires Clients to have a diagnosis

of a learning disability (mild/moderate/severe),

have independent personal care skills

and be able to demonstrate a minimum level of compliance necessary for his/her development,

and to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.

PASTEL cannot offer nursing/one-to-one support, but clients are welcome to bring a carer                  to support them at the workshops.

These innovative weekend workshops run on the 1st and 3rd of every month

and are sustained throughout the year.

Newcomers can join at any time and, once registered, they participate

in a continuous, but changing, programme.

Each workshop usually has in attendance a tutor/ trainer / assessor,

a member of the PASTEL management committee and 4-6 volunteer peer mentors.

The volunteer peer mentors join in the acxtivities, acting as role model's for clients.

There are usually around 12 clients and so PASTEL offers a very high degree of support.

However, the workshops do not function as a drop in facility

and clients, once registered, are expected to attend regularly,

as they would school or college

- except that PASTEL workshops continue throughout school/college half-terms and annual holidays.

For newcomers (and their Parent/Carers), the first session will be "taster session"

to assess whether they are enjoying themselves and give us some idea of their needs and wants.

The workshops are held at the Fromuc Centre, Saxmundham

and run from 10.30am for 5 hours until 3.30pm.

For directions to the Fromus Centre, please click here.

After 5 years of relying on grants with supplementary fundraising and donations, fom July 1st, 2011, PASTEL introduced a nominal £12.50 fee per workshop learner ie £2.50 per hour.

This is not a commercial charge but it will go some way to making PASTEL more sustainable

in the longer-term (in this period of restricted grants

and moves towards direct payments and personal budgets).

In addition, clients will need to bring a packed lunch.

For those clients unable to make their own way, Parent/Carers will need to provide, or arrange, transport for their son/daughter.

PASTEL has started its training accreditation with the National Open College Network (NOCN) Progression Qualifications, beginning at Entry Level. This is a very flexible programme, with credit-based learning (CBL), allowing an inclusive development path for all PASTEL clients.

The flexibility of the progression qualifications allows for client achievements

to be recognised through specifically designed courses that meet the needs of individual target groups. PASTEL will be able to use the units contained within the Progression Qualifications

to create qualifications that provide clients with the underpinning skills and knowledge

that will enable them to choose the most appropriate progression routes for their particular needs.

The NOCN Progression Qualifications are included in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)

and are therefore eligible for funding.

The qualifications are designed to enable the greatest flexibility for the client

whilst maintaining the qualifications at an achievable level.

The client will achieve the size and level of qualification most suitable for their needs

and relevant to their stage of learning.

There is a wide range of units available within the qualifications.

New Flexible Qualifications and Credit Framework

Learners will be more able to study in 'bite-sized chunks',

building up a portfolio of accredited training which suits their individual needs

under a new system devised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.

The new Qualifications and Credit Framework will enable people to gain qualifications at their own pace, from a number of sources, in a way that suits them - and to carry the modules with them if, for example, they change jobs.

Employers will find it easier to find or develop employees with the skills they need for business success. By 2010 all key vocational qualifications will be approved by Sector Skills Councils

and readily available to learners in small, credit-based units of learning.