We are committed to providing an inclusive, supportive, and safe learning environment for students with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).
Our specialist facilities at our Conway Park campus are designed to help students develop independence, confidence, and real-world skills, ensuring they have the best possible experience at college.
We are proud that our work and facilities supporting students with SEND has been recognised with an AoC Beacon Award for Support for Students.
Independent Living Suite
Our Independent Living Suite is a purpose-built learning environment tailored for students with SEND, particularly those in our Prep for Life programme. The suite replicates a real home setting and includes:
- A fully equipped kitchen diner
- Bedroom and living room areas
- Dedicated spaces for practicing laundry and bathroom skills
Students use this space to gain essential life skills, from cooking and cleaning to managing personal care, preparing them for greater independence at home and in the community.
Premier Inn Training Facility
At our Conway Park campus, students who are part of our Supported Internships programme have access to an industry-standard Premier Inn training facility, a mini replica of a real hotel. This includes:
- Three en-suite bedrooms
- Reception area and corridor
- Linen room
- Training room
This facility gives students with SEND hands-on experience in hospitality and customer service within a safe and supportive environment. It forms a key part of our Supported Internships Programme, helping students build confidence, practical skills, and employability for future careers.
Oasis Garden
Our Oasis Garden is a peaceful outdoor space designed to promote wellbeing, learning, and social interaction.
It provides a calm and inclusive environment for students to relax and engage with nature and provides outdoor learning activities as part of the Prep for Life programme. The space encourages social interaction and reflection, benefiting both mental health and personal development.
Harmony Room
Harmony Room offers an immersive and calming environment to support neurodiverse students or those with mental health needs. It features:
- Bubble tubes, infinity hut, and light projectors
- Vibration panels, interactive light and sound functions
- Soundscape facilities
The layout and content were designed by a specialist with input from students, ensuring the room meets their needs and provides meaningful sensory experiences.
The Engine Room
Students also helped design a physical activity space known as The Engine Room, focused on sensory regulation and physical development. Activities here stimulate proprioception, tactile, vestibular, and visual senses using equipment such as:
- Rotating climbing wall
- TWALL interactive lights wall
- Unique resistance band station, designed and built by our engineering lecturers
These bespoke facilities allow students to integrate physical activity and sensory experiences into their day, helping overcome barriers that might otherwise make attending a general Further Education college challenging.
These facilities demonstrate our commitment to giving students with SEND the resources, support, and real-life experiences they need to thrive academically, socially, and personally, and have been recognised nationally with an AoC Beacon Award for excellence in supporting students.