Bridge College

Bridge College is a non-residential specialist FE college.

We meet the needs of students up to the age of 25 with learning difficulties and disabilities, complex needs, communication disorders and autism.

Our mission is to create an inclusive learning environment where young people are able to make the transition to adulthood with better skills, independence and communication.

Our specialist teams are able to support students to achieve their aspirations and to develop a range of essential skills for learning, living and work.

From September 2012 Bridge College will relocate to brand new state of the art facilities in the centre of Manchester. Click here for further information.

Our curriculum includes:

• Citizenship: effective communication and confidence building, community action, fundraising
• Life skills: travel training, shopping, meal preparation
• Expressive arts: music, dance, visual arts, pottery, drama
• Employability skills: work experience both in the college and with local employers, volunteering and work/pre-work skills
• Health and well-being: healthy eating, sport, relaxation, aromatherapy, swimming
• ICT: use of switch operated equipment, specialist software, PowerPoint, photostories, electronic communication aids.

Bridge College has four courses:

• Step-up: for young people with ASC
• Entry: for students planning to do further study in FE Colleges, eventually to go to work/volunteer and gain some level of independent living
• Pre-entry: also for students who may work or volunteer, but who may also use adult day services, community services and aspire to as great a degree of independence as possible
• Sensory: for students with complex needs who are likely to go on to supported living and use of day and community services.

Bridge college plans to extend its provision, particularly for students with ASC reflecting a wider range on the spectrum.

Each student has an Individual Learning Plan to assist them to develop the skills needed for adulthood. Our experienced staff team includes professionals in education, therapy and care to help students to develop the skills and knowledge they need to make the most of future opportunities.

The Bridge College community shares the following core values:

• Students come first and are at the centre of what we do
• We help students to secure success in their future lives by aiming high
• We employ a multidisciplinary approach to support students to achieve and excel in speaking for themselves, making choices and meeting challenging goals
• We celebrate all achievements
• We embrace diversity and treat everyone with dignity and respect
• All members of staff have a role in helping students to learn
• We strive continuously to improve and to innovate.

All of us are responsible for ensuring the success of Bridge College and its students.

Following a rigorous process of quality assurance specifically focused around service practice within our autism services, the Together Trust is delighted to have achieved recognition from the National Autistic Society by achieving Autism Accreditation for Bridge College. This demonstrates to service user’s families and commissioning officers the quality of service provided by the organisation.