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Ifield School Post 19 provision commenced in September 2014 as a pilot provision for five pupils in partnership with North Kent College.  The identification of the Post 19 provision was to offer an educational provision that would meet the special educational needs of learners; these needs of which could not be met by existing further education provisions without going outside of Kent.  This was to reflect the introduction of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the entitlement of young adults with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) to access education until they reach the age of 25.

LINK stands for Learning with Ifield in North Kent. Learners have access to a well-equipped workshop, kitchen, hair and beauty salon, life skills flat, light and dark sensory rooms, light and airy classrooms, a cafe and a range of facilities at North Kent College. 

LINK19 College offers supported work experience placements, supported life skills and a continuation of learning to prepare for adulthood where the learners previous school or education provider can offer evidence that this is an appropriate pathway for the learners who wish to attend.

At the heart of the LINK19 College programme are supported work experience placements and learning support programmes.  LINK19 College identify internships with local employers providing learners with access to work experience opportunities linked to their individual needs, interests, aptitudes and abilities.  LINK19 College supports learners to set personal targets, working alongside the employer to enable learners to experience and prepare for the world of work. 

Supported internships enable post 19 learners to take their previous work experiences to the next level.  The interns work alongside a member of support staff with job coach training who has learned the tasks the intern will be expected to perform and can therefore provide practical guidance and task clarification within a placement.  Supported internships can account for up to three days of a learner’s Individual Study Programme (ISP) at LINK19 College and the intention is that, when the placement is successfully completed, employment will be offered to the intern.  If a post is not available at the placement then the intern will have sufficient experience to apply for employment within a similar work environment.

The impact of learners working within the community enables them to develop their communication and interaction skills as well as developing their life skills.  With support, learners are able to review and set their own targets. Some learners will develop their personal organisation skills, enabling them to work independently.  Building on from this, learners will then embark on independent travel training, so that they can travel to the work place independently. 

Each learner at LINK19 College is assigned a personal tutor and can access a range of services to remove barriers to learning and support progress.  Learners benefit from access to Speech and Language therapists and job coach trained staff and have access to high-quality provision for Careers Education Support and Guidance and work experience opportunities.

The LINK19 College is based within the buildings of North Kent College, Gravesend campus in The LINK Centre, which it shares with Ifield School Sixth Form and Gateway supported learning provision for 19 to 25 year-olds.  It provides a safe and stimulating environment for learning.

 

LINK19 College works collaboratively and in partnership with a number of specialist organisations to maximise expertise and resources.

Please see more information regarding each partner on the right hand navigation.

  • Ifield School
  • Ifield Smile
  • KSENT
  • The Education People
  • Disability Confident Committed
  • Skills Builder Gold Award
  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Problem Solving
  • Creativity
  • Staying positive
  • Aiming High
  • Leadership
  • Teamwork