Student Life

Curriculum Pathway: Vocational Training and Independent Living Skills

Entry Date: 2021

Background:

Alicia joined Ascent Autism Specialist College in September 2021 with an EHCP, autism and ADHD diagnosis. Prior to joining Ascent College, Alicia was in a mainstream high school and experienced significant challenges with accessing education. This included difficulties with social interactions, sensory sensitivities, and attendance. Behaviours of concern when misunderstood or if she deemed a situation unfair. These challenges impacted her academic progress and overall well-being.

6-8 week Initial Assessment:

Upon her arrival at Ascent College, a comprehensive initial assessment was conducted to identify Alicia’s strengths, needs, and interests. The assessment included:

• BKSB functional skills evaluation
• Sensory Profile analysis – through Resilience and PfA profiling
• Social Skills assessment – through Resilience Profiling
• Personal interests and vocational aspirations – Through Vocational and PfA profiling
• ILS assessment – through PfA profiling

Individual Educational Tracker (IET):

Based on the initial assessment, an IET was developed for Alicia. The IET outlines specific, measurable goals across various domains, including:

• Academic Achievement
• Vocational Skills
• Independent Living Skills
• Social and Communication Skills
• Emotional Well-Being

Curriculum Implementation:

Vocational Training:

Alicia expressed a keen interest in varied fields of work: administration, hospitality and events. To cater to her interests, Alicia was supported with work experience on site at the Cosy Corner Café in the first instance and with attendance and personal bookings at special events (including volunteering at Educate Awards). Alicia was also supported to work in our on-site remarkable reception with the admin team. This has resulted in Alicia accessing her work placement independently each week and will lead to supporting our Administrative staff when we move off-site. This also then led to a long-term off-site industry placement at The Haydock Jockey Club. Alicia attends here on a weekly basis, all day with support staff and has become adept at administrative tasks. Alicia has also supported hospitality events at The Jockey Club and delivered an employer autism awareness workshop.

Independent Living Skills:

Alicia has participated in our Mainframe Curriculum, which focusses on essential life skills. She receives training in:

• Personal hygiene and self-care
• Cooking and nutrition
• Budgeting and household management
• Plus a range of ILS activities and skill building experiences

Social Skills Development:

To enhance Alicia’s social and communication skills, she has engaged in social activities and groups in college and externally, collaborating in projects with peers and work colleagues. She has been an integral part of our student council and is confident in expressing her voice, views and opinions. Alicia goes above and beyond expectations in every facet of her life. She is not only committed to advancing her own skills but also dedicates herself to welcoming and supporting new students to our college. Alicia has also been encouraged to support with transition visits, deliver workshops, interview candidates. Her kind, caring, and supportive nature makes her a pillar of strength and positivity within our community. This resulted in Alicia being awarded, in 2024 the Rotary Young Achiever Award.

Emotional and Mental Well-Being:

Alicia engages with the college mental health lead, Kim Brennan, which includes voicing her needs though a range of mental health and well-being activities, such as mindfulness, sensory art, music, and relaxation activities. Alicia often takes a leading role in supporting this across the college on well-being days. The interventions and the participation in whole college planning has supported Alicia to build resilience and confidence. Alicia also chose to practice her photography skills for her own well-being which resulted in her winning the Rotary Young Photographer Competition.

Vocational Achievements:

Alicia’s incredible work ethic is evident in her involvement across three demanding work placements. At Remarkable Autism she excels as a receptionist, ensuring that everyone who walks through the doors feels welcomed and valued. At the Haydock Jockey Club, she handles administrative tasks with precision and efficiency, contributing to the smooth operation of the club. At Vinci Construction, she undertakes PA and admin work, showcasing her versatility and commitment to excellence.
Despite her busy schedule, Alicia continues to excel in her accredited learning and preparation for adulthood themes. She manages to balance her academic responsibilities with her work placements, always with a smile on her face and a willingness to help those around her. Her positive attitude and dedication are truly inspiring.
She has completed an Entry level 3 and Level 1 Open Awards qualification and her practical on the job assessments have been highly commended by the JCC management team. Her work is recognised as outstanding and as such she has invited in the past to deliver an Autism Awareness workshop to employees at the JCC as additional industry experience.

Independent Living Skills:

Alicia has made significant progress in ILS. She has learnt how to prepare nutritious meals, manage a personal budget, and maintain her working space independently. Her confidence in these areas continues to grow and she is a remarkable peer mentor to those who are new to Ascent College or are struggling. Alicia also manages and looks after her own work uniform weekly and washes/ dry’s her clothes.

Social and Communication Skills:

Alicia’s social interactions have improved markedly with a wider range of people. She is a proactive member of the Dungeons and Dragons society, where she has developed storytelling and teamwork skills. She participates in the Duke of Edinburgh Award achieving Silver and working towards his Gold level, which has further boosted her social engagement and leadership abilities.
Alicia has also been an integral member of the student council and key asset at events at the HJC and Educate awards.
Alicia also supports with transition visits and has also welcomed the mayor at our annual aspire evening.
Alicia also supported delivering a workshop on autism employability training and was able to confidently provide employers with an insight on reasonable adjustments and her own experiences.

Emotional Well- Being:

Through consistent support, Alicia has developed effective coping strategies for managing behaviours of concern brought about through changes and anxiety. Her resilience and flexibility have improved, and she voices frequently to staff that he feels more in control of her emotions and better equipped to handle stress and changes.

Recognition and Future Aspirations:

Alicia’s outstanding achievements are celebrated in college and the wider community. She often receives Student of the Week, values awards and recognition from community and work colleagues, for his exceptional progress and contribution. Alicia expressed different desires to pursue a career in fields of work. Alicia is currently being supported to explore and try different placement opportunities before she decides on a vocational pathway and workplace for the future.

Conclusion:

Alicia is a shining example of what it means to be an achiever. She embodies the values of hard work, compassion, and commitment. Her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities while maintaining a supportive and positive presence is nothing short of REMARKABLE.
Alicia Roberts’s journey at Ascent Autism Specialist College exemplifies the outstanding quality of education we provide. Through a tailored, holistic approach, Alicia has transformed her educational experience, developed invaluable life skills, and built a strong foundation for future success. Her story is a testament to the impact of individualised support and the dedication of our staff to fostering the potential of every student.
This case study highlights the comprehensive and individualised approach taken by Ascent Autism Specialist College to ensure exceptional educational outcomes for our students. It demonstrates the effectiveness of our curriculum and the positive impact on our student’s lives, not only is this an excellent example for OFSTED it also showcases to our stakeholders the remarkable team that works at Ascent to ensure all students have these outstanding opportunities and experiences.