LITTLE Gate College, an extension of Little Gate Supported Employment, has celebrated the launch of its unique educational programmes designed for young people aged 16-24 living with autism, learning disabilities, or both.
The launch event was attended by various stakeholders eager to explore the college’s distinctive approach to providing inclusive employment opportunities balanced with education.
Little Gate Supported Employment is a registered charity which was founded by Claire and David Cordell in 2013.
As parents of a young woman with a learning disability, they became very aware of the limited options available to their daughter Evie as she grew into adulthood.
This was in stark contrast to the opportunities available to her twin brother.
They decided to use the family farm to create a new opportunity to enrich the lives of people with autism, learning disabilities, or both.
Little Gate Farm consists of 46 acres of pasture and ancient woodland in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is home to the Little Gate Work Training Centre.
It is there that individuals gain real employment skills in various areas including catering, horticulture, woodland skills, and land management.
These transferrable skills are all incredibly beneficial, and the aim is that they will assist in the individual’s journey into paid work through supported employment.
In the last decade, Little Gate has steadily grown, and the organisation now also provides Supported Work Training, Supported Apprenticeships and Supported Employment opportunities for adults…intending to help them find paid employment and a brighter future.
In addition, Little Gate supports the parents of their trainees through a Parent Forum and runs a fun-filled Little Gate Rangers youth scheme for those aged eight and upwards. They meet at weekends and in school holidays throughout the year.
They spend their days enjoying arts and crafts, animals, treasure hunts, building dens and simply playing in the great outdoors.
Claire and David’s daughter Evie attended the Young Rangers scheme herself for many years and absolutely thrived there.
Like so many parents of children with autism, learning disabilities or both, Little Gate Founders Claire and David became increasingly aware of the “cliff edge” they were facing, caused by the lack of aspirational provision after the age of 19.
Identifying a gap in available services for individuals like Evie, Little Gate has collaborated with the local authority to establish a new and innovative educational institution; Little Gate College.
Catering for young people aged 16-24 with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who aspire to secure paid employment, Little Gate College, based at The Pelham in Bexhill, introduces two specialised study programmes known as Future Ready and Supported Internships.
Future Ready: Learning for Life and Employment is an immersive four-day per week curriculum designed for individuals who wish to explore the world of paid employment but might lack relevant work experience.
Aiming to equip students with essential skills for success in the workforce, this programme focuses on comprehensive personal and professional growth.
For students who have acquired a taste of the professional world through prior work experience or voluntary work, the Supported Internships programme is an ideal four-day per-week option.
This programme assists participants in honing their abilities, gaining practical experience, and confidently transitioning into paid employment.
Evie herself is enrolled in the Future Ready course at Little Gate College which promises to open a wealth of opportunities for her and countless others, opportunities that would have remained out of reach without Little Gate’s remarkable efforts to establish an inclusive environment.
As Little Gate College opens its doors this September, the organisation demonstrates unwavering dedication to providing inclusive, high-quality education ensuring that individuals like Evie can aspire to and unlock their fullest potential and achieve their career aspirations.
With the promise of brighter futures on the horizon, the launch of Little Gate College sets a new standard in education, bridging the gap between special needs and meaningful employment opportunities.
Pili Portelli, community development manager at the Pelham, said: “We at The Pelham are delighted to be hosting Little Gate College, further developing our partnership over the years since both charities formed.
“Together we have supported lots of work trainees and interns and are so excited to be a part of this new venture”.
If you are an employer who may be interested in partnering with Little Gate by offering a work experience placement or hosting an intern you can contact the college. There is more information on their website by searching Little Gate College or Future Ready & Supported Internships.
Alternatively email tracey-annecook@littlegate.org.uk
