Navigators College

Navigators College excels in delivering education through our specialized Preparing for Adulthood and Employment curriculum which is tailored for young individuals aged 16 to 25 with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and with Education Health Care Plans (EHCP). Our methodology emphasizes strengths, affirming the distinctiveness of each student with their unique talents, abilities, and gifts.  We do this by fostering the development of social inclusion, semi-independent living, and essential employability skills.

Our team of dedicated educators, one-to-one learning support mentors, and pastoral staff provide quality education and wrap-around support to students with a wide range of needs.  We support learners through a bespoke programme that is tailor-made around their own personal ambitions, interests, and identified EHCP outcomes. After careful consideration of the individual needs of a learner, they will be enrolled on one of our 4 available pathways:

• Preparation for Adulthood Programme (Foundation Level)
• Preparation for Employment and Adulthood Programme (Passport 2 Work)
• Preparation for Employment (Fast Track Course)

Personal success targets are used to help develop student’s social inclusion, semi-independent living, and employability skills. These targets are linked to the student’s EHCP outcomes, the student’s future aspirations, and the core values of Navigators.  During their journey with Navigators, learners will work towards achieving NCFE Level 1 in Personal Development, NCFE Level 1 in Passport 2 Work qualifications and NCFE Functional Skills up to Level 2. The bespoke and personalised nature of our course allows learners to bolt on vocational and experiential learning courses; some of which are accredited by AQA, City and Guilds, and ASDAN.  

Our commitment is to nurture skills, build confidence, and create pathways towards a more inclusive and fulfilling future.

We are a regional provider with learning hubs across the Greater Manchester Area.

Our Preparation for Employment and Adulthood course aims to equip learners with the tools they need to navigate the journey toward greater independence and successful employment. Our ambitious curriculum has been designed to meet the individual needs of the learner, which allows us to Navigate our learners to their personal pathway destination and a fuller, happier life.

Our curriculum consists of a holistic and dynamic program designed to prepare learners for a successful transition to semi-independent living and meaningful employment. Through a combination of engaging modules and practical experiences, we aim to empower individuals with SEND to thrive in both social and work environments.  Students will gain the capacity to make well-informed choices regarding their preferred industry and future living arrangements. They will acquire knowledge and hone skills essential for advancing into employment and coordinating future living situations.

The curriculum contains core themes developing awareness and understanding of the skills required for life beyond education.  These include, but are not limited to:

• Money Management Skills
• Independent Travel Skills
• Problem Solving
• Awareness of Coercive and Controlling Relationships
• The dangers of drugs

Through involvement in enterprise initiatives, internal and external job roles, as well as community and employer interactions, students will cultivate a deeper comprehension of various industries, both paid and unpaid work, and the avenues available for further education.

In Harpurhey, Broughton, Wythenshawe, and Salford, our specialist learning hubs stand as pillars of support and growth for our learners. Equipped with functional classroom spaces and sensory rooms, these centres provide tailored environments conducive to effective learning experiences. Beyond traditional classroom settings, our hubs offer access to a spectrum of enrichment activities, ensuring a holistic approach to education.

One distinguishing feature of our approach is the emphasis on nurturing social inclusion and semi-independent living skills among our learners. We recognize the importance of practical experience in real-world settings. Hence, we leverage public learning facilities such as libraries and actively engage in enrichment activities within the local communities. Through these initiatives, learners not only enhance their academic knowledge but also develop vital life skills essential for their transition into adulthood.

At each of our hubs, our dedicated team is committed to fostering an environment where every individual's unique strengths and abilities are celebrated. We prioritize personalized one-to-one support, ensuring that each learner receives the attention and guidance they need to thrive. Our goal is to empower learners to make informed decisions about their future, in employment, further education, or independent living.

In our commitment to creating meaningful pathways for our learners, we have forged invaluable social value partnerships with local employers, particularly in the construction and hospitality sectors. These partnerships serve as bridges to employment opportunities, ensuring that our learners have access to diverse career options upon completion of their education.

At the helm of these partnerships is our dedicated Social Values Partnership Manager, alongside our skilled Careers Coordinator. Together, they work tirelessly to cultivate and maintain relationships with local employers, identifying areas of collaboration and employment potential. Through these strategic partnerships, we aim to not only provide employment opportunities but also to foster a supportive network that champions the growth and development of our learners.