ESPA College

About the students

ESPA College, based in Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Newcastle, provides residential and day education for young people with Autism or Asperger Syndrome.

We are committed to providing a high quality, autism specific educational experience to enable learners to maximise their potential for future life, well-being and work.

We offer a range of teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of learners with autism.

ESPA College – Raising aspirations and improving lives.

Catchment

We are a national provider and accept residential learners from acroos the UK. 

Day learners attend one of our 4 sites from right across the north east of England – including learners who travel from as far as North Yorkshire or Northumberland 

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to meet the specific needs, interests and long-term goals of every student – All students follow the College Core Curriculum which focuses on 3 key areas: Social Communication, Emotional Literacy and Behavioural Self Management.

The curriculum also includes Functional Skills – Maths, English and ICT from Entry Level 1 to Level 3.

We also offer a range of accredited and bespoke courses such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Creative and Expressive Arts, Media studies, Independence and Leisure Skills. There are also good opportunities to develop employability options through a wide range of work placements.

Students can also undertake Supported Internships, distance learning or study for additional vocational or academic courses in local further education colleges with ESPA College staff support.

Our learners are well supported by a multi-disciplinary team including counsellors, speech and language therapists, occupational therapy and a behavioural nurse specialist.

Specialist facilities

The College has a number of well-equipped specialist rooms at each of its sites to provide learners with the opportunity to develop their skills and interests. We have workshops for Horticulture and Woodwork; a newly equipped gym; contemporary kitchens and independence areas and well equipped music and media suites.

Other information

The College also offers health and social care funded provision (upto 46 weeks) for those individuals who have either completed their educational study programme; or where an education programme is not considered to be appropriate.