ESPA College is a Further Education College providing day and residential education for people with Autism.
Criteria for access
ESPA College accepts referrals from Connexions, Social Care, other relevant social authority contacts, Health Professionals and parents.
They gather reports and information from relevant sources such as the prospective student, their family, school and other professionals involved. For families or primary carers this involves the mandatory completion of our Pre-Assessment Questionnaire.
This information is reviewed by the Admissions Team and members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team as necessary to identify the most appropriate educational site.
Prospective applicants are invited to attend an assessment visit.
If a suitable educational programme can be offered, all written reports and documents are sent to the individual’s Connexions Adviser or Local Authority contact.
When written confirmation of funding is received then ESPA College will confirm the place and a start date is given.
Universal services
Full and part-time day places.
Learners may study for up to 3 years across all three college sites. The programme usually starts in September and follows a 38-week academic year but learners can start at other times in the year subject to appropriate funding.
Full and part-time residential places.
ESPA College offers 38 and 50-week residential placements and specific respite placements. There is flexibility with start dates depending on each individual’s circumstances.
The curriculum is composed of a core offer that is then tailored to suit the needs of the individual. The core offer is:
- Autism Spectrum Condition Specific Personal and Social Development
- Work experience and Enterprise
- Vocational and employability Skills
- Emotional Literacy and Self awareness
- Behaviour management
- Independence Life Skills - Travel training, Independence, residential experience, cooking
- Functional Skills - Functional skills English, Maths, ICT
- Creative and Expressive Arts - Art, Cultural awareness, photography, drama
- Enjoying and Achieving - Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold, Leisure, Fitness and expeditions
Targeted services
General Further Education College link courses.
ESPA College works in partnership with General Further Education Colleges allowing learners to access the full Further Education Curriculum with support. The college supports learners’ at all local Further Education Colleges to complete A’ levels and vocational courses such as BTEC first and national diploma’s.
Vocational Pathway courses (from Sept 2015)
ESPA College supports learners with Entry and Foundation level skills to access further education via its new Pathway courses. These courses allow learners to access the full Autism Specific Curriculum offered by ESPA College whilst also accessing the vocational training resources at Sunderland College.
Specialist Traineeships.
A tailored 1 and 2-year vocational training programme delivered by autism specialists. This unique scheme offers combine’s practical work experience with essential employability skills to better prepare trainees for future employment. The areas covered include:
- Music production
- Media production
- Building and grounds maintenance
Specialist Work programme
A tailored support package from job coaches to support individuals to access work and develop work skills
University Support Programme.
ESPA College have a formal arrangement with Sunderland University to provide Mentoring and Note-taking support to some of their students with a diagnosis of ASC. Highly skilled and experienced staff help them to navigate their way through this exciting, yet demanding experience. Autism specific support is available in any North East University through the College or our Domiciliary Support Agency.
Social and vocational placements.
The college offers bespoke placements that are generally funded by Social Services and are designed for students who would benefit from developing their personal, social and employability skills. This offer includes the Graduates Programme which gives further development for recent college graduates to assist them in their transition to the next stage of their lives.
Respite
Respite is offered at the college’s CQC registered Ashleigh College site in Gosforth Newcastle. Typical packages include weekend and school/ college holiday respite. Respite is offered for adults and children aged 16-18. The offer is flexible and some packages include week day and extended college day respite.
Specialist Services
College staff are all highly trained and experienced in supporting people with Autism. Many key staff have masters degrees and doctorates in Autism together with many years of experience. In addition the college as the support of a highly skilled multi-disciplinary team composed of:
- Speech and Language Therapist
- Behaviour Nurse Specialist
- Counsellor
- Educational Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Occupational Therapist
In addition the college also employ the services of 3 Consultant Psychiatrists who provide highly responsive clinical intervention and management. Their specific roles include:
- Providing specialist clinical support covering autism, associated conditions and disabilities, epilepsy, behaviour management and mental health
- Maintaining an oversight of referrals and providing professional opinions and advice
- Working in liaison with GPs to ensure comprehensive and integrated clinical plans
- Providing 24 hour on-call support within emergency procedures