We work with children and young people aged 16 – 25 to develop the skills they will eventually need in the world for work. At Work Skills Learning (WSL), our staff of teachers, therapists and mentors provide education and support for those who have an Education, Care and Health Plan. We work closely with local authorities, through which all referrals are made. WSL provides a range of educational opportunities for children and young people facing barriers to their education. They may have special educational needs associated with communication and interaction, cognition and learning, and/or social, emotional and mental health difficulties.
Work Skills Learning was established in 2005 to support children aged 16 – 25 who had been diagnosed with SEND. Our experience in SEND enabled us to partner Hackney in many ways and to deliver their teaching assistant programme between 2008 and 2022. During this time, we worked with over 500 Hackney residents to achieve Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, developing their professionalisation and their entry to the workforce in both primary and secondary sectors.
While we are located in Hackney, we work with many local authorities throughout London. We have an excellent record in enabling our 16-25 cohort to develop their academic skills at whatever level to their optimum, while also ensuring they build their resilience and confidence. We enable them to develop new skills and achieve nationally recognised qualifications to secure their entry into the world of work, from Entry Level through to GCSE and A Level. At Work Skills Learning all learners are valued as individuals, and we use innovative ideas and practices to maximise their potential. We aim to help them to take their next steps, whether to enter the work force, whether paid or voluntary, transition to college, supported internships, apprenticeships, or university. We work closely with each child to ensure that they can play a full part in society and to give them the additional skills to move forward with their lives. Our pastoral care is excellent, involving parents/carers and other stakeholders.