A NEW Camphill specialist college for young people with complex or severe learning disabilities is planning to open for the 2011/12 academic year.
The Sheiling College will be part of the Sheiling School, Ringwood, and will broaden access to specialist provision for young people from the local area and further afield
It will extend the age range provided for by the community by initially adding 4th and 5th years to the Sheiling’s current Seniors provision. The eventual aim is to offer a broad range of further education opportunities for 16 to 25 year olds, in partnership with other local colleges and organisations.
This new provision builds on the current good practice in the Sheiling’s Seniors Programme to offer individualised flexible learning programmes and opportunities to make choices to support independence. Students will be able to work towards fulfilling a rich and valued role in the broader community.
The Sheiling’s strength has traditionally been the focus on arts, crafts, workârelated learning and residential living. The new college will specialise in these areas.
Plans for the college are progressing well and have reached the second stage of registration as a provider of further education with the Young People’s Learning Agency and an application with the Care Quality Commission to provide accommodation and care for young adults with special needs.
It is hoped that the first college students will arrive in September and there is already a lot of local interest.
For more information email college@sheilingschool.co.uk