Welcome to Foundation Studies
As part of Riverside and Cronton Colleges - The Foundation Studies department provides further education for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, social anxiety and autistic spectrum disorders, who are aged between 16–25 years.
As part of Riverside and Cronton Colleges - The Foundation Studies department provides further education for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, social anxiety and autistic spectrum disorders, who are aged between 16–25 years.
Foundation Studies Staff
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The sessions we offer are designed to provide a personalized learning programme for every student capability.
Support is made available to enable equal access to our courses by students who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. They are able to assess individual needs and advise on matters concerning the welfare, education and social development of our students.
We pride ourselves on creating a supportive and friendly atmosphere. This comes from the strong relationships which exist between staff and students creating a college community where each person is valued and can flourish.
Students follow individual timetables that have been designed specifically to suit the students abilities and areas of interest. The programmes are intended to develop both independent living and employment related skills, in a wide range of vocational and academic subjects. |
UPCOMING EVENTS
4TH JANUARY
College in lockdown Foundation Studies will be in lockdown for two weeks. |
COVID UPDATE - JANUARY
Updated - 04.01.21
From Monday the 4th January Foundation Studies will be in lockdown due to the Covid epidemic. Parents/Students will be contacted with further information via letter, or may be contacted directly by staff. To help support students and minimise disruption, remote sessions will be available using MS Teams. Group tutors will contact students soon with further information.
Please be aware that Foundation Studies campus is open on a very limited basis and is currently invite only.
Any student who returns to campus without being invited, will be sent home immediately.
As always if you are displaying Covid symptoms, please do not attend College.
If you test positive for Covid please continue to inform the College via the absence line 0151 257 2008
Please be aware that Foundation Studies campus is open on a very limited basis and is currently invite only.
Any student who returns to campus without being invited, will be sent home immediately.
As always if you are displaying Covid symptoms, please do not attend College.
If you test positive for Covid please continue to inform the College via the absence line 0151 257 2008
Working in the community - Tree Planting
A big special thank you to
The Woodland Trust who donated the trees |
As part of a joint venture. Foundation Studies and St. Michaels Catholic Primary, are working with The Woodland Trust to plant 200 trees in Widnes.
The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK concerned with the creation, protection, and restoration of native woodland heritage. It has planted millions of trees since it began in 1972. Foundation studies will be taking part in various community projects going forward next year, focusing on further charity and environmental projects. Another Special thanks to Sandra Brown and Linsey O'Donnell for organising the project.
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WELLBEING AND SUPPORT
These are uncertain and difficult times for students. There have been many changes and set-backs this term. Foundation studies would like to say thank you for your patience and understanding. We want to provide you with any and all the support you need, to gain the skills to lead happy and successful lives.
If you are feeling anxious or stressed, the first thing you need to do is let us know. Speak to your tutor or learning support and tell us how your feeling.
We have 1 to 1 rooms that provide a calm environment where you can speak privately with staff, about any issues you would like to talk about. We also have a sensory room and specially designated quiet areas for students to relax between sessions.
During collage sessions it is common for students to take a small break, just to be calm if they may be upset.
If full time learning is too much, or the thought of college is overwhelming. We can arrange a limited schedule starting with a single session, maybe progressing to a day in college when you feel ready.
Anyone can have a bad day. Everyone can feel stressed and anxious from time to time.
Let us know, we want to help.
If you are feeling anxious or stressed, the first thing you need to do is let us know. Speak to your tutor or learning support and tell us how your feeling.
We have 1 to 1 rooms that provide a calm environment where you can speak privately with staff, about any issues you would like to talk about. We also have a sensory room and specially designated quiet areas for students to relax between sessions.
During collage sessions it is common for students to take a small break, just to be calm if they may be upset.
If full time learning is too much, or the thought of college is overwhelming. We can arrange a limited schedule starting with a single session, maybe progressing to a day in college when you feel ready.
Anyone can have a bad day. Everyone can feel stressed and anxious from time to time.
Let us know, we want to help.
For more information:
Think Wellbeing Halton - Free NHS service that provides support for those with anxiety and depression
Hub of Hope - Provides information for local support available based on your post code or town name
Think Wellbeing Halton - Free NHS service that provides support for those with anxiety and depression
Hub of Hope - Provides information for local support available based on your post code or town name
Face coverings must be wornCOVID 19 - UPDATE 17.09.20
Foundation studies has made the decision to make face coverings necessary at all times and in all areas of the college. This is due to the rise of Covid-19 infection rates throughout the uk. Please be aware the college will no longer be supplying free masks to students. It is the students responsibility to bring a mask and clean/dispose of it safely. |
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WELCOME BACK TO FOUNDATION STUDIES
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Everybody here at Foundation Studies is excited to welcome back our students. It will be so good engage with returning students again and welcome new students to the college. We understand this is an especially difficult time for a lot of learners, so we would like to explain some of the precautions that are in place to help keep everyone safe. |
UPDATED 03.09.20
Bubbles
To minimise contact with others, areas across both Foundation Studies Campus and Kingsway Campus will be split apart into bubbles. Each bubble will have their own classrooms, toilet/wash facilities and social areas. Each bubble is identified by a colour, all staff and students will wear a coloured lanyard with their regular student ID card. This is to help with the "track and trace system" and protect everyone in college as much as possible.
Lunch
Please be aware that due to the bubble system. Foundation Studies students will not be able to visit the Kingsway campus or use the canteen during lunch/break times. We recommend students bring a pack lunch for the initial few weeks of the new term. Independent students may leave college grounds during lunch as usual. We are currently working to provide hot meals to students, but our ability to deliver this service is not yet guaranteed. Parents are being contacted and we hope to resolve this issue quickly.
Enhanced Cleaning
We have introduced an enhanced cleaning schedule, to ensure the more frequent cleaning of rooms and social areas. Areas that have frequently touched surfaces (eg corridors, stairwells) are being cleaned regularly. Students will be encouraged to wash their hands often throughout the day and may be given hand sanitiser by staff in sessions.
Social Distancing
We are currently using the "1 meter plus" guidelines for social distancing. This means staff and students can be one meter away from each other, as long as there are measures put in place to limit the risk of transmission. These include wearing a face covering, using a dividing screen, facing away from each other and regularly washing hands and sanitising facilities.
Personal Protection Equipment
Staff will maintain an appropriate distance or wear face coverings when engaging with students during sessions.
Students should wear a face covering when entering the building, in reception and frequently used areas like corridors and stairwells.
We may have a very limited supply of masks to give out to students if required. But it is expected that students should bring their own to use.
To minimise contact with others, areas across both Foundation Studies Campus and Kingsway Campus will be split apart into bubbles. Each bubble will have their own classrooms, toilet/wash facilities and social areas. Each bubble is identified by a colour, all staff and students will wear a coloured lanyard with their regular student ID card. This is to help with the "track and trace system" and protect everyone in college as much as possible.
Lunch
Please be aware that due to the bubble system. Foundation Studies students will not be able to visit the Kingsway campus or use the canteen during lunch/break times. We recommend students bring a pack lunch for the initial few weeks of the new term. Independent students may leave college grounds during lunch as usual. We are currently working to provide hot meals to students, but our ability to deliver this service is not yet guaranteed. Parents are being contacted and we hope to resolve this issue quickly.
Enhanced Cleaning
We have introduced an enhanced cleaning schedule, to ensure the more frequent cleaning of rooms and social areas. Areas that have frequently touched surfaces (eg corridors, stairwells) are being cleaned regularly. Students will be encouraged to wash their hands often throughout the day and may be given hand sanitiser by staff in sessions.
Social Distancing
We are currently using the "1 meter plus" guidelines for social distancing. This means staff and students can be one meter away from each other, as long as there are measures put in place to limit the risk of transmission. These include wearing a face covering, using a dividing screen, facing away from each other and regularly washing hands and sanitising facilities.
Personal Protection Equipment
Staff will maintain an appropriate distance or wear face coverings when engaging with students during sessions.
Students should wear a face covering when entering the building, in reception and frequently used areas like corridors and stairwells.
We may have a very limited supply of masks to give out to students if required. But it is expected that students should bring their own to use.
Covid Easing - JULY update
For the last few weeks Foundation Studies has been open to students on a very limited basis.
Attendance is not required by the college and is currently invite only. We are complying with government rules for social distancing, temperatures are checked on arrival and the two meter rule is in effect. Because of this we are keeping student numbers very low. Any student who returns to campus without being invited, will be sent home immediately. If you would like to return to college please inform your group tutor.
Attendance is not required by the college and is currently invite only. We are complying with government rules for social distancing, temperatures are checked on arrival and the two meter rule is in effect. Because of this we are keeping student numbers very low. Any student who returns to campus without being invited, will be sent home immediately. If you would like to return to college please inform your group tutor.
There will be a lot of changes in the new term, which can be stressful and difficult.
But be assured, all changes are being made to keep both staff and students safe.
But be assured, all changes are being made to keep both staff and students safe.
As our regular sessions are still closed, we have been providing workshops focused on improving students health and well-being. Students attending our Thursday workshop, accessed socially distanced Zumba Fitness. It's a great way for students to get active and have fun. Special thanks to Hannah from the Well-Fit team who hosted the workshop.
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We have also been providing an arts and crafts workshop on Wednesdays. Students can enjoy sketching, sewing and painting. Each week students are given a picture to sketch or paint. Last weeks picture was an elephant, next weeks picture is this terracotta warrior. Have a try at home and let us know how you get on.
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Next weeks challenge
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V.E. Day - 75TH ANNIVERSARY
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Victory in Europe Day on 8th May 1945 is when the Allied forces accepted Germany's surrender, marking the end of the second world war. Every year since the nation celebrates, putting up bunting and wearing Union Jack colours. People have afternoon tea, street parties with neighbours and raise money for veteran's charities.
This year with social distancing, all public events and gatherings are cancelled. But many are still celebrating within their own homes. Having tea parties for their household and hosting events with friends and family online or using video apps. |
VE Day - 8th May 1945
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How will you celebrate VE Day?
Do you have a Red, White and Blue outfit? How are you preparing for VE Day? |
Please share your photos with
us and we will post them here. |
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This is Eleanor - Boss of the kitchen
Preparing for her VE Day party Thank you for showing us how it's done. |
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You can also visit our Foundation Studies Blog which has a bunting template that you can print out and colour. Special thanks to ALS Amy who has developed a scone recipe to try. Download using the link below.
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PAN DISIBILITY CUP QUALIFIER
Students turned their shirts backwards to help raise awareness of mental health in sport
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Well done and Congratulations! Foundation studies would like to recognise the incredible achievement of our football mixed under 18 squad. During the AOC Regional Pan Disability Cup, hosted at Lancaster & Morecambe College. They have become the North West Champions and finished top of the league undefeated.
We are honoured to be a part of The Pan disability Cup, and to help provide our students with the opportunity to compete. Enabling everyone to play whatever the ability or disability, while promoting equality. We are very proud of the time and hard work the squad put in to get to this stage. They will now represent the college and the North West at St George's Park, England's official training base on April 29th. Good Luck to you all. Click for more information: Pan Disability Football St. Georges Park |
Mayor visit
Foundation studies welcomed the Mayor of Halton, as part of her tour of Riverside College and Cronton college campuses. The Mayor took a tour of our facilities and looked in on some of our sessions, ending in a well-earned break in our student run cafe. Thank you for visiting Foundation Studies and we hope you enjoyed your visit.
"It was lovely meeting with the students and staff, and I must say they have such a lovely atmosphere walking around"
Everyday at Foundation studies
As well as Key skills such as English, Maths and IT. We focus on practical everyday skills to encourage students to be independent and help them into employment.
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Independent living - We aim to develop each students personal and social skills, to help them achieve and maintain an independent lifestyle. Students can learn new skills in a comfortable and supported environment. That encourages positive feedback, allowing students to experiment and grow. In our Community Access session, students are encouraged to develop their confidence and social skills interacting with other members of the public. Students work together to plan their travel and organise themselves to visit places of interest, like town centres and supermarkets. With our Cookery session, students will learn practical cooking techniques and learn how to make basic meals while keeping to a set budget. As part of a supported session students shop for the needed ingredients, prepare them and make a their meal. |
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Employment and higher learning - We support our students to improve their English and Math GCSE's. Students can also achieve a NCFE Occupational studies for the workplace qualification, in a session of their choice ranging from Entry Level 3 to Level 2. Like our Team Enterprise session, which encourages student creativity to make Arts/Craft items. These are sold by students at our Easter/Christmas fetes and other sales events throughout the year. Students work to agreed deadlines and are set targets as part of a team. With our student run Cafe sessions, we offer practical experience providing customer service in a working environment. Students learn how to serve, handle money and ensure quality for their customers. Those are just two examples of sessions we provide with a focus on workplace skills. |
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Work placement and Supported internship - For students who have the necessary skills and are are ready for more, we may be able to offer them a supported internship or work placement.
Students will focus on their employability skills and create a CV, until they are placed in a real job role with one of our partner businesses. Students work with and learn from employee's, gaining valuble work experience and the possibility of paid employment. For more images like these, please visit our FlickR gallery
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