02 September 2010 
plan
facilities
quality standards
outcomes
accreditation
employment

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.