Access Training U-Learn

Specialist Post-16 SEND programme across Cornwall supporting young people aged 16–24 with an EHCP through personalised learning, life skills and work experience.

Learning combines education, life and employability skills with practical experiences and work experience. Opportunities can be tailored around the young person’s interests and may include areas such as animal care, horticulture, retail and warehousing.

U-Learn programme

U-Learn is designed for young people aged 16–24 with an EHCP who need support to progress towards education, training or employment.

The programme combines learning with opportunities to experience different vocational areas in a relaxed and informal environment. Access Training works with selected providers, colleges and other organisations to help young people re-engage with education and explore routes towards employment.

Bespoke Exceptional Learners Programme

The U-Learn Exceptional Learners Programme provides specialist support for learners with SEND, generally on a 1:1 or 1:2 basis.

Learning can take place in the young person’s home, educational settings or other bespoke learning environments, enabling learners to access education and life-skills support they may not have been able to access through mainstream schools or colleges.

Access Training uses a holistic approach, working with the learner, parents and carers, specialist providers, the statutory SEND team and other professionals.

Work experience and vocational opportunities

Young people can experience different areas according to their interests. Examples given by Access Training include:

Animal care • Horticulture • Retail • Warehousing

The programme can also include volunteering and work-experience opportunities, careers information, advice and guidance, and support to develop job skills.

Life and independence skills

Alongside preparation for employment, young people can develop practical skills to support greater independence.

This can include independent-living skills, job skills, creative and practical skills, as well as other learning tailored around the individual’s interests.

SEND support

Specialist SEND support is part of U-Learn.

Within the Exceptional Learners Programme, Access Training assesses the learner’s strengths and areas of difficulty and builds skills for work and everyday life, with the aim of increasing independence where possible.

Progress and experiences are monitored, with Access Training liaising with specialist providers and youth workers involved in the young person’s support.

Additional support

U-Learn can also provide or connect young people with wider support, including:

Peer mentoring • Careers guidance • Volunteering • Work experience • SEND support • Debt, benefits and housing advice

Referral and eligibility

U-Learn is for young people aged 16–24 with a personal EHCP.

Families should contact Access Training to discuss current availability, referral routes and funding arrangements.

Good to know

Access Training specifically says it works with young people who may have experienced difficulties in other educational settings, helping them rebuild confidence and focus on what they can achieve.

The Exceptional Learners Programme can provide support at 1:1 or 1:2 and can take place in the learner’s home, educational settings or other bespoke learning environments.

Age range

 16–24 years