Coleg Plas Dwbl

About the students

Coleg Plas Dwbl offer students a Practical Skills and Therapeutic Education through the fields of arts, crafts, commerce, agriculture, nutrition, living skills and the environment where it has been confirmed that mainstream further educational provisions are unable to meet the young persons need or aspirations.

Day and residential (36 or 52 weeks of the year) placements are available to learners aged 16-25, referrals are accepted throughout the year.

Students typically attend 35 hours of education, over 5 days (Monday to Friday) for 36 weeks of the year. by agreement with the relevant local authorities annual review procedure, or by private agreement.

We ensure careful consideration is given to our cohort regarding compatibility and suitability to safeguard and meet individual needs.

We support young adults who have an IDP or EHCP, who are unable to access mainstream education. Each person is considered on an individual basis.

Catchment

Local, national and international.

Curriculum

Coleg Plas Dwbl is based on a 100-acre biodynamic working farm at the foot of the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire.

Students learn in workshop settings following a Practical Skills Therapeutic Education method directly supporting the development of skills and abilities that contribute to students’ capacity for self-transformation. Individuals are immersed in a meaningful, nature-based, practical curriculum in a social context. We believe that everyone has the potential to develop self-worth and life skills, cultivating the capacity to orient and to direct their own lives.

Its flexibility allows for a truly person-centred approach, empowering learners to thrive in a supportive, environment. It blends therapeutic principles with hands-on learning across a wide range of subjects. The curriculum encourages students to gain social skills, self-confidence and independent living skills in preparation for transition into adulthood. Practical Skills and Therapeutic Education integrates the use of hand, head, heart and place, proving students with the tools to transform materials and in turn, themselves.  The following sessions are available within the curriculum to choose from:

• Blacksmithing at the Forge
• Carpentry within Green Woodwork
• Crafts of Willow and Wool
• Pottery, including the harvesting and processing of the clay
• Horticulture tasks and organising vegetable hampers for residential homes
• Land Skills and Animal Husbandry on the working Farm
• Essential Skills – Literacy and Numeracy
• Living skills incorporating cooking, cleaning, personal care, budgeting and using public transport
• Catering – cooking seasonal, homemade meals in a commercial kitchen
• Internal and External Work Experience

Future Pathways is a specialised course designed for students who have completed three years at Coleg Plas Dwbl and may benefit from additional support before transitioning to the next stage of their lives. The program serves as a stepping stone, enabling students to further develop and strengthen their independent living skills while preparing for meaningful, long-term participation within their communities. The course is highly individualised, tailored to each student’s aspirations and abilities. Its curriculum focuses on creating a personalised plan that promotes independence through practical skill-building. By fostering skills, the program empowers students to live as independently as possible and succeed beyond college.

Specialist facilities

Coleg Plas Dwbl offers:

• Therapeutic Education designed to enhance gross and fine motor skills, balance, coordination, development of social skills and improve academic skills in literacy and numeracy.
• Practical skills which are specifically chosen to meet developmental needs.
• Students to cultivate their own capacity for self-generated conscious action.
• Each student an individualised, tailored timetable.

Specialist facilities:

Therapeutic support is not an add-on - it is embedded in our daily practice. Students benefit from: Onsite Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) input. One to one targeted support is also available and is based on individual need. Collaborative care with external professionals when needed. A seamless blend of education and therapy that supports holistic development.

Other information

Coleg Plas Dwbl is part of Ruskin Mill Trust - a long-standing registered charity. For nearly 40 years Ruskin Mill Trust have provided a unique, research-led approach to education and care for those with learning differences and difficulties.

For students accessing our residential provision, learning continues beyond the college day. The 24-hour curriculum extends educational and therapeutic opportunities into evenings and weekends, creating a truly immersive and consistent experience.

Coleg Plas Dwbl provide a range of residential accommodation for students, with most homes located within towns and villages. These off-site locations have been carefully selected to promote community integration and involvement for residential students. Each residence offers a welcoming, home-from-home environment in small, supportive settings that foster a nurturing atmosphere.

Coleg Plas Dwbl has:

• A research led approach to education
• Tailored learning plans that reflect strengths, challenges and aspirations
• A calm, focused environment where students feel safe and supported
• A Seed-to-Table Ethos embracing sustainability and connection to nature
• In house specialist services including Falconry
• Small Workshop Sizes
• Total Communication Method