Our Offer
Learning for Living
As part of our provision for learners, we offer a programme based on the Preparing for Adulthood framework, the Gatsby Benchmarks, and the Career Development Framework from the Career Development Institute. At RBAir, this is known as Learning for Living (L4L).
For our post-16 learners, L4L is delivered in person, in small groups. This can run alongside the learner’s academic GCSE and/or Functional Skills programme. This enables our learners to gain formal qualifications together with the social skills, life experience and confidence to move onto a further education college course, employment or training/apprenticeship placement.
Where a post-16 learner is not able, or not yet ready, to access an in-person small group, L4L can be delivered via one-to-one sessions. These can be online or in person. These L4L interventions are short term and have a specific focus, relating to a young person’s Individual Provision Plan (IPP) target (e.g. travel training or an exploration of next steps, beyond RBAir). These are tailored to an individual learner’s needs.
In addition, L4L can be woven into a pre-16 learner’s programme. These sessions are bespoke, short-term interventions and can focus on aspects such as independent living skills, social re-engagement or an exploration of future pathway options.
L4L can include the chance to work towards AQA Unit Awards. These help recognise a learner’s achievements and boost self-confidence.
Independent Living Skills
When exploring independent living skills, L4L promotes the development of a range of skills for living a healthy, happy life. Topics include: cooking, household maintenance, independent travel, health, budgeting, personal hygiene and self-care. We are mindful that each individual young person’s health and personal situation may impact their prospects for living independently; we tailor the programme with this in mind, whilst maintaining high expectations and encouraging the greatest level of independence and responsibility for self.
Future Pathways
An exploration of future pathways introduces young people to the various options for further or higher education/qualifications, vocational courses, traineeships and apprenticeships, employment and entrepreneurship. This aspect of L4L is suited to a young person who is in the early, tentative stages of exploring possibilities for their next steps, beyond RBAir. We know that making decisions about what to do next can feel daunting, so we offer a supportive environment where young people can explore the range of possibilities, alongside finding out more about themselves and developing skills to make informed choices about their pathway/transition plan.
Post-16 L4L Groups
The post-16 L4L group is suited to a young person who is likely to be in their final year with us. The group work is about gaining confidence and trying new things. We ‘dip our toes’ in a range of real-world experiences and help the young people find the right environment – be that in education or work – to suit and inspire them. The focus is on getting out and about in the local community, including via public transport. Our young people participate in three projects (one per term) which gradually build on their interests, experience and confidence working with others. These projects involve a group project, volunteering and work experience.
The above provides a broad-stroke overview of what we offer as part of L4L, but it is important to highlight that every programme is tailored to support the needs and aspirations of each young person and their EHCP / Individual Provision Plan.
Whether working in a L4L post-16 group, or as part of a series of interventions, our programmes are regularly refined and reworked to promote a focus on outcomes that are transferable to the real world so learners can successfully make informed choices, manage change and fulfil their potential.