Volunteering Pathway

The Volunteering Pathway programme is available to people aged 16-25 requiring a moderate to lower level of additional support in order to move onto volunteering opportunities, supported employment or higher level courses. The course is offered at Cheltenham, Coleford and Gloucester campus. Students work in small groups of 8 - 10 with support and guidance offered a by Personal Tutor, Teaching Assistant, and where appropriate by a Learner Support Assistant (individual support). The Volunteering Pathway programme aims to promote students' communication and social interaction skills, confidence, independence, and transferable volunteering skills. With the long term view of students securing voluntary placements, supported employment or moving onto higher level courses. The curriculum follows a personalised approach: 1. Guidance and help with transition into College involving other agencies as required 2. Initial assessment carried out in a supportive manner with student’s needs in mind 3. Additional support available as required 4. English and Mathematics is fully embedded in the learning to promote reading, writing, speaking & listening and number skills 5. Individual goals are negotiated and set with the students 6. Regular pastoral support is offered 7. Regular review and assessment of student progress is a core part of the programme 8. Close communication regarding progress is maintained with families/carers/other agencies throughout the year 9. Transition onto another course or out of college is supported and includes other agencies

All support arrangements will be assessed during the informal meeting and Transition Programme. The programme may offer a short residential experience with high levels of support. Students will also have opportunities to participate in day excursions and other external learning activities.

There are no formal entry requirements. Each student will be invited to attend a Transition Programme where their needs and suitability will be assessed. Students usually come from specific provision in mainstream schools or specialist units within the county. We welcome direct enquires from parents and/or guardians.

Students have a chance to progress onto: 1. Higher level courses within Foundation Studies or the College 2. Voluntary work 3. Employment (either supported employment / full / part time employment)

Gloucestershire College has recognised that some Foundation Studies students that have long term aims for supported employment or volunteering opportunities. Therefore, we introduced this successful programme in September 2012 to enable our students to progress in their confidence and abilities. Students have given some very positive feedback about their experiences to date and they have been involved in some of the following projects: -Refurbishment of the veranda at Tewkesbury Abbey -Researched and planned accessible allotments for adults with disabilities through Gloucester County Council -Worked at the GL3 Hub at Churchdown to complete maintenance tasks -Worked at the Cheltenham Animal Centre to collect and deliver bedding for animals -Worked with the Redwell Centre in Matson distributing leaflets to advertise the community centre Based on the success of this course, we are pleased to continue to offer such opportunities for students in September 2013.

Sian attended Milestones School prior to attending college. Throughout her time in Foundation Studies, Sian has progressed from Life Skills, to Introduction to Work Skills, to Adults Employability, and more recently to Volunteering. Since joining Foundation Studies, Sian has become much more confident, sociable and independent. She has had various beneficial work placements over the last few years, culminating in a particularly successful 2012-13. Sian has embraced volunteering both within the group and as an individual, building skills and qualities that will benefit her for the future. This last academic year (2012-13) Sian has been volunteering on an evening at a local disco run by Kingfisher. Sian worked hard on this placement and because of this was offered more experience by the charity through voluntary work within their shop. Sian recently went for an interview at the shop, for the voluntary position, and was successful. Sian is currently working at the shop on a weekend and is hopeful that her hours will increase once her college commitments decrease. There may also be an opportunity for this placement to become paid employment.

Please contact the College on 0845 155 2020 for further details