This section is designed
to give you the outline information relating to our plans
and programmes to deliver personal development training for
those with special needs.
The
PASTEL vision is: People with learning difficulties and/or
disabilities are active in the community, for life.
The
PASTEL mission is to help clients on their way to live fulfilling
lives in their local communities and, in particular, to go
on to enter the world of work.
We will always strive
to be inclusive in all aspects of ourwork and we are driven
by the passion and commitment of parent/carers and the service
users.
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.
Physical
activities may address balance, clumsiness, concentration,
coordination, eye/hand coordination, suppleness of the joints,
etc
Intellectual
and cognitive activities may address communication, independence
skills, maths, reading, self-confidence, social skills, visual
and spatial awareness, writing, etc...
The current Transition
Training programme focuses on 5 outcomes: building their self-esteem
and confidence and gaining skills in communicating, decision
making and team work, which can be transferred into other
aspects of their lives.
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 bringa carer to support them at the workshops.
These
innovative workshops run fortnightly throughout the year.
Planning has already started for further enhancements in 2010.
Newcomers can join at any time and, once registered, they
participate in a continuous, but changing, programme. 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.
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
NOCN Progression Qualifications offer opportunities
to clients:
•
to develop their skills
and knowledge.
•
to be recognised for
their achievements in developing their skills for
learning and for life.
•
to progress to further/higher
education or employment.
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.
For
newcomers (and their Parent/Carers), the first one or two
sessions will be "taster sessions" to assess whether
they are enjoying themselves and give us some idea of their
needs and wants. The workshops are held at the new Riverside
Centre at Stratford St.Andrew, IP17 1LL (on the A12) and run
from 10.30am for 5 hours until 3.30pm. There is a suggested
nominal contribution of £5 per workshop, as a contribution
towards overheads. Clients will need to bring a packed lunch.
For those clients unable to make their own way, Parent/Carers
will need to provide transport for their son/daughter.
PASTEL
operates a comprehensive range of Quality Standards, including
a Vulnerable Child and Adult Protection Policy and Procedures,
Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety and Data Protection.
Where appropriate, all involved have enhanced CRB checks.
PASTEL also operates Induction Policies for Clients, Tutors
and Volunteers.
