Young people with SEND thrive when given the chance to build practical skills, confidence and independence. Drawing on daily conversations with learners, Tabetha Crinson, Learner Voice Lead at Derwen College, shares how creative teaching, work experience, and supportive environments help each student shape their own future.
In my role, I’m lucky to work directly with our learners. We talk a lot! Being the Learner Voice Lead isn’t about leading the discussion, but about creating spaces where voices are heard, valued and acted upon. Our learners have ideas about what they want their adult lives to look like – living a good life, with meaningful work, relationships and a sense of daily independence.
Like their peers in mainstream education, many young adults with SEND aren’t sure what they want to do as adults – college is a safe space where they can explore options and shape their next steps.
We focus on a set of key elements that help our learners work towards their aspirations. These areas are closely linked to the Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) framework – a practical approach that supports young people with SEND as they move towards a fulfilling adult life. The different areas often overlap in real life; for example, learning timekeeping is not just useful for work, but also helps with cooking, travel, and daily routines. Importantly, these elements reflect what our learners tell us matters most to them, from independent living skills and travel training to teamwork and healthy living. Both students and staff are encouraged to be adventurous and explore new ways to help learners achieve their goals.
Here’s how each area plays a part in supporting our students’ journeys.
Employment
Many students are funded to develop skills for the world of work, as set out in their EHCPs (England) or LDPs (Wales). Learners start by exploring working life, then move on to work experience both within college and with external employers. The college Marketplace offers hands-on opportunities with real customers in the café, restaurant, mini hotel, garden centre, gift shop, and charity shop. Our work experience team builds strong relationships with local employers to create weekly placements tailored to each student’s future work goals. These experiences help students develop confidence and good work habits in areas like hospitality, horticulture, performing arts, and retail. The well-structured approach makes the idea of work feel achievable and exciting for everyone involved.
Independent Living
Independent Living Skills are a big part of life for both residential and day students. Dedicated sessions on Wednesdays and everyday learning moments help students build self-esteem and confidence. Skills at home and in the community include day-to-day housekeeping skills such as making the bed, washing up, planning a meal, paying for shopping, understanding recycling and much more. Learning happens around the clock, and those everyday moments outside the classroom often have the biggest impact. Learners appreciate that personal targets reflect their wishes and aspirations, as long as choices are safe and relevant. For example, student Joe, said he wanted to spend his birthday on a train ride with friends, lunch out and a haircut! So, he was given support by care staff to identify money, speak to the hairdresser and organise friends. Joe said this real-life experience was ‘the best day of his life!’
Community Inclusion
Students are encouraged to take part in everyday activities, whether that’s visiting the barber, going out for lunch, doing the weekly food shop, or enjoying local events. Taking measured risks and having little adventures is all part of growing up, and students are supported to step outside their comfort zones in safe and supportive ways. It’s also important for learners to be seen and included in the wider community, not just as participants but as people whose voices matter. Travel training helps students to navigate their journeys safely by foot or public transport. Our PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) curriculum helps students understand their rights, personal safety, and relationships, giving them the confidence to take part in community life. The elected Student Council regularly speaks to local councillors and politicians to make sure students’ views are heard and valued.
Health and wellbeing
Health and wellbeing are supported through access to healthcare, healthy eating, and a wide range of activities. The nursing team promotes self-care and encourages students to seek help when needed. Every day, both day and residential students can take part in enrichment hours, enjoying sports, clubs, and activities that interest them. We take pride in offering a huge selection of sports and club, and are dedicated to finding an interest for everyone, working with students through the admissions and enrolment procedure to find out what their loves and motivations are. These opportunities help students build healthy habits, make friends, and have fun outside the classroom.
At Derwen College, we believe that every young person deserves the chance to shape their own future. By working together, with learners, families, staff and the wider community, we create an environment where confidence, independence and aspirations can truly flourish. Hearing learners share their pride in new achievements or talk about the adventures they’ve had reminds us why their voices matter most. We’re proud to support them every step of the way as they discover what’s possible.
Tabetha Crinson will speak during Naidex, to be held at the NEC on March 25-26.
About Derwen College
Derwen College, in Shropshire, is a specialist further education college for young people aged 16–25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The college offers both residential and day placements, providing a vibrant, supportive environment where students develop vocational, independence, and social skills.