Preparation for Adulthood (including Learning2Live)

The Journey into adulthood

R2W are part of this journey.

Across R2W we already work preparing individuals for adulthood through some of our existing projects. We are currently working in partnership with Westmorland & Furness Council and our parent charity, Oaklea, with a project called Learning2Live.

In response to a need for more options for young people with learning disabilities in transition from school to adulthood; R2W and Oaklea have developed a unique concept. A specialist provision that offers a high standard of education and care for students aged 18 to 25 years with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Learning2Live is specifically designed to develop young people’s personal, social and transferable skills to enable them to better live and work within their local communities.

Above – Our Windermere L2L Learners bonding at Wray Castle

Our first Learning2Live project is situated in Windermere, in the heart of the Lake District, where we will be supporting learners over the course of the three-year programme to gain the skills and confidence they need to move onto the next stage in their lives, whether that is gaining employment, moving towards more independent living or progressing to further study.

Our commitment to providing high quality and person-centred education and care using specialist approaches and individual learning programmes, utilising our unique on-site learning from the R2W ‘Work & Learn’ team and Oaklea supported living facilities/support team.

Learners on the programme with an Education Health & Care Plan will be offered the opportunity to participate in a full and active curriculum: promoting, supporting and challenging them to make progress and achieve their fullest potential.

Our person-centred approach provides individualised learning programmes developed to effectively match their needs, personal decisions and aspirations, with a focus on daily living skills, vocational qualifications or more independent living.

Read our L2L Prospectus!

Download it here L2L Prospectus

Plus – Find out more here in our more general booklet Learning2Live Brochure

What we are doing

Learning2Live Curriculum

What Learners can expect:

We offer a broad and tailored curriculum for each student, to meet their developing needs. Over the three year course, Learners can expect to:

  • Enjoy a range of subjects so each Learner can develop their own curriculum to meet their needs
  • Develop independent living skills through a practical and community based curriculum designed to build confidence in a range of settings, including work placements.
  • Develop good communication skills
  • Develop a sense of self with community living and working in mind
  • Be challenged in the pursuit of personal development
  • Develop confidence
  • Gain relevant and recognised qualifications
  • Enjoy a choice of additional activities

The Open Awards

The Open Awards offer a choice of accredited qualifications that are relevant to the Learners personal development. There are no age restrictions and no prior achievements required and yet, alongside Right2Works first class reputation and networks, the Open Awards offer accredited and meaningful reassurance to employers that our Learners have plenty to offer in the workplace.

Core curriculum

The Learning2Live curriculum is built around three key areas.

  • Manage my home
  • Manage my self
  • Engage with my community

Foundation Year – Independent Living

The Learning2Live team will ensure a smooth and successful transition onto the course. The focus on Independent living will allow the care and support team to settle learners into their new living and learning environment set within quality facilities and with a choice of extra activities.

Accreditation – Open Awards Entry level 3

Minimum of 150 guided learning hours

Example Topics:

Personal Health & Hygiene, Staying Healthy, Managing Relationships, On-line basics, Food Hygiene and Meal Preparation, Domestic Skills, Safety & Security in the home, Money & Budgeting, Knowing your local area.

Placement Year – Skills for Further Learning & Employment

Learners can begin to further explore their own aspirations. This includes work experience and employment training.

Accreditation  – Open Awards Entry level 3

Minimum of 130 guided learning hours

Work Experience – Up to 21 hours per week through a Supported Internship

Example Topics:

Personal Action Planning, Applying for Jobs & Courses, Curriculum Vitae Writing, Employment Skills, Job Search, Making Informed Career Choices, Preparing for an Interview, Preparing for Work, Problem Solving at Work, Health & Safety in the Workplace (Also to include modules specific to the Learner’s employment aspirations)

Final Year– Moving On

Learners will continue their personal development alongside their pastoral and academic support teams yet the focus will shift towards our Learners preparing to move on from Learning2Live.

Accreditation  – Open Awards level 1 Certificate for Further Learning and Employment

Minimum 130 guided learning hours

Work Experience – Up to 35 hours per week (paid or unpaid)

Example Topics:

Preparing to be a Good Tenant and Neighbour, Understand How to Apply for Housing, Understand How to Look After a New Home, Understand How to Look After Personal Health and Hygiene, Understanding Financial Products and Services, Personal Money, Management and Planning a Move to a New Home.

To discuss any of the above drop L2L Team Manager Sarah Atkinson an email [email protected]

Sarah (R) with Mollie from L2L

Learning2Live - Windermere

We have worked with our parent charity, Oaklea Trust, to develop this – and in Summer 2021 the programme started (and our Learners moved into their new L2L home in Windermere in November 2021)

Prospectus for L2L

You can request a hard copy via [email protected] or T:01539 735025

Or of course just download a copy here L2L Prospectus

Life skills at R2W

Here at R2W we offer sessions on ‘Life skills’ – these are held at our Kendal Beezon Road base and can include things like how to make your bed, washing clothes etc. We have a purpose built room for this.

The work here has attracted high profile visits – like this from representatives of Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF) and Westmorland Family Ltd in January 2020 (below)

And the then High Sheriff of Cumbria in October 2018 (below).

Our Employment Team are also able to assist with job skills, writing a CV and what the world of work can involve.

Already our life skills for L2L Learners have taken in things like…cooking and preparing meals….

And learning how to plan travel, routes and using public transport.

Outdoor Learning

As part of our offer we will also be working in conjunction with other local partners to showcase the ‘outdoor learning’ environment option.

Lowther Castle Estates

We have a good relationship with the team at Lowther – In have held employability awards to recognise the achievements of learners – using horticulture and outdoor learning to increase life skills and so forth.

Learner Robert enjoyed seeing examples of his work on display.

We also held the first get together for our Windermere L2L Learners at Lowther in August 2021

People stories - Jen & Andy

Jen & Andy are a great example of the work R2W and Oaklea have done both in terms of employment and training and making the transition to having their own tenancy.

Earlier in 2020 we followed them into their first home – read their story here

http://www.oakleatrust.co.uk/blog/getting-a-pizza-the-action-is-the-key

For details on any of the Right2Work Preparation for Adulthood programmes, please get in touch on 01539 885 055 or email our employment team at: [email protected]