St Elizabeth's College offers learners the chance to live on-site at Jubilee Rise or within Centenary Close premises while they complete their three-year College placement. Our accommodation can accommodate up to 26 Learners, across 7 bungalows, situated on our grounds next to the College.
This embraces and promotes the further education ‘Uni’ experience for adults between 19-25. For some, this is the first time living away from home, for others it’s a move from the School and Children’s Homes to becoming an independent young adult embarking on new experiences and development opportunities.
Moving into this service is a big transition and a big change for learners and their families. We appreciate this and carefully support and plan the transition in a person centred way. Learners are involved in their transition planning, and every care is taken to support individuals to meet others and introduce them to other learners with similar interests. After consultation, learners are offered a vacancy in households with peers; people of a similar age and/or similar support needs. Each bungalow has its own committed and experienced staff team who are qualified and trained to meet the needs of the particular clients they support.
We will work with learners and their support network to explain the changes between children’s and adult services. We will ensure all their views, wishes, aspirations, fears and concerns are listened to and acted upon.
Uniquely, St Elizabeth's College promotes and achieves consistency and the use of transferable skills. Staff support learners in College and Supported Living so are able to support learners to apply what they have learnt in College into their home life, and transfer into the community. This also provides consistent support throughout the day and supports their learning and development goals over a 24- hour period, working towards independence and enhancing skills and confidence for life.
Our aim is to support and develop young people to successfully transition into adulthood and live an independent life, as much as possible in the community after their College placement has come to an end. Residential learners are supported by staff to live independently, and look after their bungalow by cooking, cleaning and doing laundry for themselves. A core element to prepare learners for adulthood is communication and social skills; these important skills enable greater choice and confidence over time.
Living in this accommodation means that the learners are part of a social network with a learner council and recreation space to meet friends and enjoy time after the College day.
We ensure people have connected lives with community links depending on their interests and aspirations; whether it be shopping, swimming, going to the pub, football matches, dancing, walks in the countryside or playing on the games console on-line with friends.
Our College bungalows host regular house meetings to discuss important issues, and provide a platform for learner's to express their interests and new ideas. There is an emphasis on building confidence of young people and preparing them for adult life after College by promoting the use of local community resources/amenities, events and social activities.
There are weekly and termly events such as Fresher’s Week, blues nights, Netflix & popcorn nights as well as summer barbecues, winter bonfires and of course, graduation events. Our location also enables peaceful space to enjoy nature and walks through our orchard, parks and sheep fields on bikes/Go-Karts.
Accommodation
Within Centenary Close, each bungalow consists of a communal sitting room, a snug, kitchen, utility room, and wet room for each bedroom.
Jubilee Rise consists of a semi-detached, single story home with 3 bedrooms and a communal bathroom/shower room, open plan lounge, dining and kitchen areas.
Learners are encouraged to personalise their room when they move to St Elizabeth's to ease the transition. Perhaps a new wall colour will help to settle in, or maybe a new piece of furniture or a poster of your favourite person? Or maybe a room full of photos of family and feel comfortable during a time of change.
All of our on-site accommodation is owned by our local Housing Association Peabody, so learners are issued with a licensing agreement when they move in. The licensing agreement is for 3 years based on a 52-week year and linked to their College placement - this means that only learners enrolled and participating in College are able to hold the agreement.
Staff will support learners with their health needs and link closely with community health professionals to manage specific conditions.
Our Therapy team and Positive Behaviour Support Team support each learner in line with their EHCP to develop their skills and understanding of their own health needs, as part of their education package.
This team of professionals also train and support the staff to deliver the best possible care and support to meet the learners needs.
All learners have access to housing benefit in order to pay their rent, with Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance allowing learners to meet their everyday financial needs. More information about benefits can be found on Government websites, or through Citizens Advice.
To view the most recent PAMMS inspection report of our Supported Living service, please click here
To view our most recent CQC inspection, please click here.
For more information on College Residential Services, please contact Jenny Green at jenny.green@stelizabeths.org.uk or on 01279 843451.
