At Sunderland College, we put SEND at the centre of everything we do. We provide a fully inclusive provision that ensures every learner has the opportunity to learn and thrive. Our Directions programme ensures that all learners have the opportunity to develop new skills, gain a better understanding of their community, and have the ability to live healthy, independent lives.
We are a destination-focused provision with a dedicated transition lead to ensure students have a smooth transition to college and onto their next destination.
If you think our special education course is the right fit for you or the person you care for, you can find out more and apply here.
Our students do incredible work, building their confidence with extracurricular trips in new environments and their social skills working in group projects. Helping them develop the skills most relevant to their needs in a supportive environment.
They can also take part in incredible initiatives like our Makaton choir!
You'll study our alternative provision SEN course full-time at Bede Campus and will have access to a dedicated area within an inclusive college environment and specialist staff.
See some of the amazing work our Directions staff get up to - speech and language therapist, Nicola, shares with you her fantastic Makaton rendition of George Ezra's Shotgun.
Nicola is just one of the inspirational, specialist staff in the Directions team who provide daily support and motivation to our learners.
Directions is a highly supportive, ambitious, and inclusive environment for all students. It offers a wide range of bespoke learning programmes aimed at preparing learners for adulthood, independence, further study, or employment.
Including our specialist programmes of learning for those with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and complex communication needs (CCN).
Independence Pathway
Our Independence Pathway offers an initial route into college for students who may want to progress to vocational courses or work. This programme is usually the first course a student will undertake at college and is designed for students with specific or general SEND needs who have an EHC plan.
It allows students the opportunity to adapt to college life with the aim of developing core skills for independence, aligned with individual EHCP outcomes.
Carousel pathway
Our Carousel program allows students the opportunity to taste the practical element of courses, opening opportunities and allowing for information-based decisions on potential future destinations.
With the offer of Catering, Animal Care and Horticulture, students can get a real-life experience which allows for possible progression routes into further academic and vocational studies.
Supported Level 1
The Supported level 1 program provides an opportunity to study a course within the specialised SEND environment, allowing for a more in depth and smoother transition. Specialist Animal Care and Horticulture Lecturers will deliver a fully inclusive program, which allows for the individual needs of each learner to be met, while supporting them through the academic qualification.
Alongside these, the college offers a Pre-Internship programme where students develop skills, attitude and behaviours to prepare them for employment. for the world of work.
Supported Internship
Our Supported Internship programme provides a unique opportunity for learners with an EHCP to take part in a work-based curriculum.
The course, consisting of 300 hours of external work experience ensures each student develops to tools required to be successful in a workplace environment while supported by job coaches.
Communication For Life
Our Communication for Life Pathway supports learners in developing the skills they need to live as independent a life as possible. The Communication for Life programme offers a curriculum rich in memorable experiences, with the aim of preparing our learners for adulthood.
We aim to develop learners so that they can take a more active role in accessing their community, support them in understanding their health needs, increase their independence, and, where appropriate, engage in volunteer work. Our learners enjoy a programme filled with opportunities to improve communication, express their wants and needs, communicate their feelings, develop emotional literacy, and adopt strategies to reduce stress and anxiety.
Sensory Learning
The Sensory Learning Pathway is a dedicated, bespoke programme of learning for students with Profound and Complex Learning Disabilities (PCLD). Our Sensory Learners enjoy a tailored learning experience that utilises the eight primary senses (sight, touch, taste, smell, auditory, proprioceptive, vestibular, and interoception) to engage, explore, and interact with people, places, and objects around them.
Staff use a specialised communication programme aimed at helping learners with Gestalt Language Processors communicate, express their wants and needs, communicate feelings, and develop strategies to reduce stress and anxiety.
If you think our special education course is the right fit for you or the person you care for, you can find out more and apply here!
Sunderland College, as part of college group EPNE, receives an Outstanding rating across the board in its latest Ofsted inspection.
November 26, 2024
Sunderland College announces long-term partnership with Sunderland AFC Women, combining outstanding education with an elite sports programme.
June 17, 2025
Sunderland College student Holly Stoker’s commitment and enthusiasm for sport was celebrated at the Sunderland Young Achiever’s Awards.
May 27, 2025
