Pursuingexcellence,openness supportingeachother,Instilling confidence,transformational leadership,inspirational,valuing diversityandempoweringothers
WhoareTCHC?
TCHCisanOfstedGoodproviderwhohavesupportedlocal communitiesacrossBedfordshire,Cambridgeshire,Essex, Hertfordshire,PeterboroughandSuffolkfor20years.Wehave helpedover500,000learnersprogressintobetteropportunities.
WhatisGAPS?
OurGAPScentresprovideaccesstoavarietyofstudy programmestosupportentryintofurthereducationandwork. Setwithinthelocalcommunity,weprideourselvesonthe nurturingenvironmentourcentresprovidewhichhelpsustoget thebestoutofourlearners.
TCHCprovidefullyinclusiveeducationensuringalllearning needscanbemetusingadiverserangeofteachingandlearning resourcesandapproaches.AtourGAPScentres,youwillfinda calm,positiveculturethatencouragessuccesswithall individualsthatattend.
HOWWE SUPPORTYOU HOWWE SUPPORTYOU
AtTCHCweprovideopportunitiesto developindependenceskillsand prepareforadulthood.
TCHCGAPSprovidesapersonalised andflexibleprogrammeofsupport, whichisupdatedregularly,togiveour learnersapositivelearning experience.
Yoursupportrequirementswillbe determineduponenrolment
Tutorsupport
Learningsupportassistants
Careers,Information,Adviceand
Guidance
Wellbeing
TCHCstrivestoeffectively accommodatealllearners’learning differences.Wehavethefacilitiesand expertisetosupportlearnerswith specialeducationalneedsincluding:
Sensoryneeds
Cognitionandlearning
Communicationandinteraction
Socialandemotionaldifficulties
Mentalhealth
OFSTEDSAID
LearnersatTCHCenjoyandvaluetheeducation thattheyreceive.Theyappreciatebeingtaught insmallgroupsandlearningatapacethathelps themtosucceed.Learnerscommentpositively abouttheflexibleapproachtolearningandhow tutorsteachsubjectsinbitesizetopicssothat learnerscanunderstandthemthoroughlybefore movingontothenexttopic.Learnerslikethe friendlyandhelpfulapproachoftutorsatTCHC. Theyfeelwelcomeandwellsupported.
WORKING INSMALL GROUPS
AtTCHCweunderstandthatevery youngperson’seducationaljourneyis unique,whichiswhyweprioritise supportiveandinclusivelearning environments.
Oursmallgroupsettingsencourage collaborativelearningandalloweach individualtoexpressthemselveswhile feelingvaluedandunderstood.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT& BURSARIES
Youcanapplyforabursarytohelp towardsattendingthecourse.If eligiblethiscanhelpinpayingfor travelbypublictransport,orsupport withpetrolexpenses,andlunch.The fullamountisbasedonindividual needandcircumstance,whichwillbe assessedatthestartofthecourse. Speaktoamemberofstafftofindout howabursarycouldworkforyou.
WhoisGAPSfor?
Youmustbeagedbetween16–18years
Oragedbetween16–24yearsandhaveacurrent Educational,health&careplan(EHCP)
Youmustbeabletoprovidevalididentificationprior toenrolment(passport/birthcertificate)
Noformalqualificationsarerequiredaswewillassess leveloflearningpriortoenrolmenttakinginto considerationpreviousqualificationachievements 16-18and16-24
WhatisaStudy Programme?
AtTCHC,yourstudy programmewillbe individualandtailormade tofityourspecificneeds. Yourprogrammewillbeup to38weeksdependingon yourstartdateandthedays youattendthecentrewillbe confirmeduponenrolment.
Participatinginastudy programmecangreatly enhanceyourfutureby equippingyouwithessential skillsandexperiences.
DuringyourtimeatGAPSwewill helpyouexplorecareerpaths throughworkplacementsand guideyouonhowtogetthere.
1. Vocational Aim
Youwillachieveanationally recognisedqualificationinthe subjectofyourchoice.
2. Functional SkillsMaths &English
MathsandEnglishareessential skillsrequiredbyemployers.
3. Personal Development &WorkSkills
Youwillbegivenextrasupportto helpyouprogressinlife.
4.
Work Experience
Youwillhavetheopportunityto goonworkexperienceandgain skillsreadyforwork.
SSTART TART YYOUR OUR JJOURNEY OURNEY
Whatisavocationalcourse?
Avocationalcourseisatrainingprogrammethat focusesmoreonpracticalwork,ratherthantraditional academicexams.
AtDunstableGAPS,weofferthefollowing vocationalcourses:
Ourdedicatedstaffarecommittedtoequippingyou withtheessentialskillsneededtoachieveyour qualificationsandexcelinyourcareerandfuture.
Business&Retail
Award/Certificate/DiplomainBusiness& Retail-EntryLevel3andLevel1
Certificate/DiplomainBusiness Administration -Level2
Thisprogrammeistailoredtowardsteachingtheskillsand knowledgerequiredtoapplyandprogressintobusiness andretailopportunities.
Thecoursewillbedeliveredbothpracticallyandclassroom basedenablinglearnerstoexperiencerealopportunities andtaskswithintheindustry.
WHATWILLILEARN?
Communicationskillsforwork
Workinginretail
Handlingstockinaretailenvironment
Handlingtelephonecalls
Healthandsafetyintheworkplace
Understandinghowtoworkaspartofateaminretail
Customerserviceskills
Learningandunderstandingbusinessprocessesand systems
Exploringentrepreneurship
Applyingforajob
Coursetripsandevents
Guestspeakers
English&mathsFunctionalSkillsisincludedalongsidethis studyprogramme.
WHATJOBSCANYOUDO
BusinessAdministrator
MarketingAssistant
Salesperson
CustomerServiceAssistant
FinanceAssistant
Ifeelreallysupported andthelessonsare helpingmegetthe qualificationsIneed.
Construction
Level1Award/Certificate/Extended Certificate/DiplomainConstructionSkills
Thisprogrammeistailoredtowardsteaching theskillsandknowledgerequiredtoapply andprogressintoconstructionandtrade opportunities
Thecoursewillbedeliveredbothpractically andclassroombasedenablinglearnersto experiencerealopportunitiesandtasks withintheindustry.
WhatwillIlearn?
Introductiontohealthandsafetyin construction
Constructinghalvingjoints
Paintingapaneldoor
Tilingaplainwall
Fixingarchitraveandskirting
Paintingandwallpapering
Paintingtechniques
Constructingangledhalvingjoints
Applyingwallpapertointernal& externalcornersandpaintingskirting
Constructingbridlejoints
Applyingdecorativeeffects
Constructinghousingjoints
Constructingthroughmortice&tenon joints
Constructingstubmortice&tenon joints
English&mathsFunctionalSkillsis includedalongsidethisstudyprogramme.
WHATJOBSCANYOUDO
Painter&Decorator,Carpenter,Tiler, Plasterer,Bricklayer,Plumber,Electrician, Surveyor,Labourer,Roofer,Scaffolder, ArchitectandCivilEngineer.
Painting&Decorating
Level2Certificate/AwardinPainting& Decorating
Thisprogrammeistailoredtowards teaching theskillsandknowledgerequiredtoapply andprogressintopaintinganddecorating.
Thecoursewillbedeliveredbothpractically andclassroombasedenablinglearnersto experiencerealopportunitiesandtasks withintheindustry
WHATWILLILEARN?
Paintinganddecorating
Paintingapaneldoor
Introductiontohealthandsafetyin construction
Introductiontoconstructionindustry
English&mathsFunctionalSkillsisincluded alongsidethisstudyprogramme.
WHATJOBSCANYOUDO
Painter&Decorator,Carpenter,Tiler, Plasterer,Bricklayer,Plumber,Electrician, Surveyor,Labourer,Roofer,Scaffolder, ArchitectandCivilEngineer.
Health&Care
EntryLevel3toLevel2 Award/Certificate/Diplomain Health&Care
Thisprogrammeistailoredtowards teachingtheskillsandknowledgerequired toapplyandprogressintohealthandcare opportunities.
Thecoursewillbedeliveredbothpractically andclassroombasedenablinglearnersto experiencerealopportunitiesandtasks withintheindustry.
WHATWILLILEARN?
Learnaboutdifferentcareenvironmen
Meetindustryprofessionals
Coursetripsandevents
Guestspeakers
Learncommunicationandteamwork skillsspecifictothecaresector
Identifypotentialcareersinthecare sector
Safeguardingwithincare
Typesofserviceswithinthecaresecto
Howtosupportpatients/clients effectively
Recognisetheimportanceofhealthy eatingforpatients/clients
Supportinginhealth,socialcare, children’sandyoungpeople’ssettings Infectionpreventionandcontrol
Introductiontomentalhealth
English&mathsFunctionalSkillsisincluded alongsidethisstudyprogramme.
WHATJOBSCANYOUDO
RegisteredNurse,SocialWorker,Child ProtectiveServicesWorker,FamilySupport Worker,ResidentialCareWorker,Youth Worker,ChildcareWorkerandEarly ChildhoodEducator
IndependenceSkills
Progression
Level1CertificateinProgression
Thisprogrammeistailoredtowardsteaching theskillsandknowledgerequiredtoprogress intoadulthood.
Thecoursewillbedeliveredbothpractically andclassroombasedenablinglearnersto experiencerealopportunitiesandtasks withintheindustry.
WHATWILLILEARN?
Personalbudgeting
Communicationandlanguagetechniques
Studyskills
Improvepersonalmannerandconduct
Healthyliving
Personalskills
Traveltrainingandstreetsafety
Personalpresentation
Takepartincommunityprojects
Personalsafety
Managingproblems
Developingpersonalconfidence
Understandingassertiveness
Managingandcopingwithchange
Developingandmaintainingfriendships andrelationships
Decisionmaking
Developingresilienceskills
Exploringequalityanddiversity
English&mathsFunctionalSkillsisincluded alongsidethisstudyprogramme.
FFUNCTIONAL UNCTIONAL SSKILLS KILLS
English&maths
Functionalskillsprovide essentialknowledge,skills, andunderstandingthatwill enableyoutoconfidently, effectively,andindependently progressinlifeandwork.
AsaGAPslearner,youwill havetheopportunitytowork towardsachievingmathsand Englishqualificationswitha suitablyqualifiedtutor throughapersonalised learningplan.
Weuseapracticalapproach whenteachingmathsand English.Ourtutorswillhelpyou applywhatyouhavelearntto everydaytasksandproblems.
Personal Development &WorkSkills
Personal&social developmentsessions
Employabilityskills-CV buildingandinterview techniquesandtips
Independentliving
FundamentalBritishValues
Keepingsafeandhealthy
Workexperience opportunities
Mentalwellbeing
Engagingingroup activities
1-to-1IAGsupportand guidance
Work Experience
Whydoworkexperience?
Employersarealwayslookingfor learnerswhohavehadwork experience. Youwillhavetheopportunityto undertakeworkexperiencein differentformats: Blockworkexperience
Extendedworkexperience Tasterdays
WhatwillIlearn?
Customerserviceand communicationskills Commercialawarenessfor yourplaceofwork Workingontasksand managingyourself Teamwork
Timemanagement Howtouseinitiative
Useoffunctionalskills Acceptingresponsibility
WhatwillIgetoutofit?
Throughhavingapositiveworkexperienceyouwillbeableto usethisonyourCV;gainareferenceandhaveexperiencesto talkaboutininterviewsforemploymentorapprenticeships.
Ifavacancybecameavailableattheplacement,youcould applyiftheroleissuitable.
Yourexperiencewouldberelatedtowhatyourcareer aspirationsare,inrelationstoyourstudies.
MEANSBEINGINTHECENTREATLEAST 95%OFTHETIME...ORHAVINGNOMORE THAN10DAYSOFF!
Moretimeinthe centremeans moretimetolearn, develop&grow!
DAYS ABSENCE
DAYS ABSENCE DAYS ABSENCE
Lesstimeinthe centremeansless timetobecome theverybestyou! Poor attendance meansless chances inlife!
DAYS ABSENCE DAYS ABSENCE
LearnerA
BACKGROUND
LearnerAwasreferredtoGAPSbyhispreviousschool.Hepreviouslyheldthe beliefthateducationwastediousandinvaluable.PriortojoiningGAPS,hehad achievedGCSEsinMathsandEnglishbuthadnotparticipatedinanywork experience.
SUPPORTFROMTCHC
AtGAPS,LearnerAhasstartedaconstructioncoursewhichhethoughtwas appropriateashewantstogointoconstructionafterhefinisheswith education.
SUPPORTFROMTCHC
LearnerAsayshehaslearntalotabouttheconstructionindustryandcannot waittocompletehiscourse.Hehasfeltmorecomfortablelearninginthe GAPSenvironmentandthetutorshavehelpedhimcommunicatewithothers moreeffectively.
BACKGROUND
LearnerBwasintroducedtoGAPSbyhisprevious school.Hedidn'tlikeeducationatschoolbecausehe didn'tgetthesupportherequired.LearnerBfeelsthat thereweretoomanypeopleintheclassrooms.
SUPPORTFROMTCHC
AtGAPSLearnerBfeelsthathewassupportedthrough 1-2-1sessions.
SUPPORTFROMTCHC
LearnerBisworkingtowardsqualificationsinboth EnglishandmathsandBusiness&Retail.Their confidencehasgrownandtheyfeelmorecomfortable speakingandworkingwithotherlearners.
LLEARNERCASE EARNERCASE STUDIES STUDIES
LearnerB
WORDSFROM WORDSFROM PARENTS/CARERS PARENTS/CARERS
“Iamwritingtoexpressmysinceregratitudefortheexceptional staffatGAPS.Astheparentofanautisticyoungpersonwhohas facedsignificantchallengesinhiseducationaljourney,Iam incrediblypleasedtoseethepositivetransformationheis experiencingsincejoiningthisprovision.Thededication, understanding,andunwaveringcommitmentshownbythe teamhavemadearemarkabledifferenceforhim.
TheholisticapproachatGAPS,issomethingtrulyspecial. Ibelieveitisremovingbarrierstolearningandofferingyoung peopleapathwaynotonlytoeducationalsuccessbutalsoto improvingtheirfamilywell-being.Iamconfidentthattheir approachwillcontinuetohaveaprofoundimpactonthelives oftheyoungpeopletheyserve.”
“ThestaffatGAPShavebeen amazinglysupportive, encouragingandempowering ourdaughtertosucceed! Theyhavebeenamazing! Wehaveourdaughterback!”
“It'sasafeenvironment thatunderstandsmy child’slearningneeds.”
“SinceAbbiejoinedGAPSher independenceandconfidence hasgrownbeyondwhatwe couldimagine.
Abbie’sfuturelooksfar brighter,andwecannotthank thestaffenoughforhelping herbelieveinherself.”
FAQs FORLEARNERS
Q:HowdoIapplyforacourse?
A:Withintheprospectus,youwillseeyour optionsonpage2,orcallusandwewillhelp youthroughtheprocess.
Q:HowmanydaysaweekwillIattend?
A:Dependingonyourcourse,thiscouldbe3 or4daysaweek.
Q:Whathappensattheendofmycourse?
A:Yourtutorswillbesupportingyouthrough theyearwiththeIAGadviser.Theywillwork withyoutodevelopaprogressionplan throughtheyearsoyoucanseeyouroptions forwhenyourcoursefinishes.
Q:WherecanIgoforlunch?
A:Youhavetheoptiontoeatyourownlunch withinthecommunalareasoryoucanhave aseparateroom.Insomecases,lunchcan beprovided.Ifyouwanttobuylunchthere arelocalamenitiescloseby.
Q:CanIhaveapart-timejobandstill attendGAPS?
A:Whileonyourprogramme,youwillbeable toworkpart-timearoundyourprogramme days.
Q:Arethereanybursariesavailabletome?
A:Youmaybeeligibleforabursarywhilein education,thiswillenableyoutohave supportinthefollowingareas:travel,free lunchandclothingforinterviews.
Q:HowwillIbekeptinformedaboutmy youngperson 'sprogress?
A:Youwillalsobeabletodiscussyouryoung person 'sprogressatreviewsyouwillbe invitedtothroughouttheyear.
Q:Whatifmyyoungpersoncannotattend thecentre?
A:Callthecentreandspeakwiththecentre coordinator/centremanagerandinformthem withthereasonofabsence.
Youcanalsosendatextmessageoremailto informthefollowing:Nameandreasonfornot attending(centrecoordinator/administrator willfollowupwithacall).
Q:Whathappensifmyyoungpersonisbeing bulliedorharassed?
A:Thecentrewillnottoleratebullyingor harassment.Learnersshouldinformtheir personaltutor,safeguardingchampionorthe centremanager.
Youcanemaildunstable.gaps@tchc.netor safeguarding@tchc.net
FAQs FORPARENTS/CARERS
