Courses for adults with SEND

We offer a range of programmes from Pre-entry to Level 2 focusing on independent living skills, social and community involvement as well as work and life skills. It would be fantastic if you could come on the journey with us.

Here is our new programme for 2025-26; please note days are subject to availability and change.

Cookery

You will learn or improve specific cookery skills. The course encourages independence in the kitchen as well as developing a range of soft skills such as communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills. You will learn how to cool a wide range of dishes and home baking. The course also covers food safety and hygiene skills, budgeting skills and healthier options. 

Physical Wellbeing (Sweat and Strength)

You will gain confidence with fitness so that it’s an enjoyable experience. Our course will involve fun fitness classes suitable for everyone with an aim to improve overall wellbeing and mental health. Classes will include walking trips to build up your fitness levels, combat, dance fitness including using glowsticks, stretching, circuits and aerobic based exercise.  

Mental Health Wellbeing

If you struggle with poor mental health we will look at triggers and coping strategies. The programme will be individualised to your needs and will explore a variety of activities to reduce anxiety and stress.

Art

This is a practical arts-based course where you will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of art forms such as painting, sculpting, printmaking and mosaics as well as accessing the community and finding out what is going on locally. We will look at different artists throughout the course.

Performing Arts

You will be exploring different types of performance including movement, mime, character, and storytelling as well as all of the roles behind the scenes. You will explore different types of drama, including drama traditions from around the world and will go back in time to learn about the history of theatre. You will work together to create performances and show them to a live audience. This course is full cost, price on application.

Independent Living in the Home and Community

You will develop a sense of who you are and your place in the wider community. Course themes include basic cooking and household tasks, enrichment events, managing a personal budget, communication skills, and personal and social development. You will also develop advanced independence skills to prepare you for supported, semi or independent living. This course aims to empower you to function as independently as possible, whilst embracing your own personal needs. 

Learning to Grow

You will develop an understanding of how and when to grow plants and vegetables from seed to harvest. You will get hands on experience and will learn how to build raised beds and compost bays using re-cycled materials, be introduced to the no dig system of gardening and how to make compost which will help improve soil structure and water retention. You will have access to a poly tunnel for growing more tender plants and vegetables.

Horrible Histories (Wanders around Westgate)

You will learn history about the North East through the eras. You will look at a range of influential figures, delving into the people and events which have shaped our region. You will visit local historical sites combined with classroom learning.

Beauty

This course will provide you with an introduction to the fundamental aspects of hair and beauty. You will have the opportunity to explore hairstyles, manicures and painting nails.

Stagecraft

You will learn backstage skills needed for theatre design. You will try stage crafts such as prop and scenery making, stage make-up and costume design. You will be able to try technical theatre skills such as lighting and sound. Then you will use all your new skills as backstage support for the Performing Arts group when they perform their show.  

Thrive - Learning for life community matters

You will learn new things every week! This course helps you understand important topics like health, kindness, safety, and the environment with interesting topics linked to real-life events. You will visit interesting places, learn useful skills, and find out about caring for the planet, health and happiness, helping others and staying safe online.

Weird Science

Welcome to a world of science where weird meets mysteries from around the world.  You will experience volcanic explosions, edible soil and will even find out how honey develops from flower nectar and the reason beehives are honeycomb shaped.  

For more details or to book a place on any of the courses, please contact samantha.riley@newcastle.gov.uk or yvette.nesworthy@newcastle.gov.uk