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Level E

Independent Living Skills (EL1, Year 1)

Duration

1 year

Location

Rush Green Campus

Starting

Sept 2026

Audience

16-18

Careers

Horizons

This course is designed for young people aged 16-18 or up to 24 with an EHCP, who have Special Educational Needs.

Learners may include those with behaviour, emotional and social difficulties (BESD), Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), mild or moderate learning difficulties (MLD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and are working between Entry Level 1 and Entry Level 2.

The programme focuses on developing independent living and personal social skills, supporting transition to adulthood and linking closely to the Preparing for Adulthood outcomes.

On this course, you will learn:

  • Communication
  • Numeracy
  • Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE)
  • Independence
  • In‑house work experience
  • Enterprise projects
  • Enrichment activities

Teaching is tailored to individual EHCP outcomes and learners’ personal goals.

You will be assessed through the RARPA process, meaning assessment is personalised and based on each learner’s needs and abilities rather than formal examinations. Progress is measured against individual goals and EHCP outcomes to ensure development in employability, independence and personal and social skills.

You will need to be aged 16-18 or up to 24 with an EHCP and have identified Special Educational Needs and/or a learning difficulty.

You should be working towards Entry Level 1 and all applicants take part in an assessment or interview to ensure the course is the most suitable option for your needs.

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to progress into further SEND pathways such as the second year of Independent Living Skills, other personalised learning programmes, employability‑focused routes, supported internships or further development towards independent living.

Where it can lead to
You could progress to the following courses
Career progression

There are number of routes you can take following successful completion of a course. Further study can include Higher Education courses or a Higher Apprenticeship where you will expand your skills through study whilst earning a wage. Or you may choose to move directly into employment.

Contact our careers team for further guidance.