Independent Specialist Colleges (ISC)
Independent Specialist Colleges (ISC) provide support for learners with learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities. In Nottinghamshire, there is only one ISC - Portland College (opens in new tab) - based in Mansfield.
This 6-minute video shows you more about Portland College:
However, the Local Authority may consider placements at ISC in neighbouring areas which are within daily travelling distance. These are:
- Landmarks College (based just south of Sheffield but with some additional provision in North Derbyshire, Rainworth and West Bridgford)
- Communication Specialist College Doncaster
- Homefield College in Leicestershire
- SENSE
- Linkage College in Lincolnshire
Frequently Asked Questions about Specialist Colleges:
What do Independent Specialist Colleges (ISC) provide?
ISC offer a range of courses at different levels, generally including the skills that you will need for adult life such as money management and healthy life choices; functional skills in Maths and English; and, where appropriate, vocational options to help prepare you for the world of work. Most ISC now offer work experience as part of your study programme, Support with communication is another important element of the curriculum in most ISCs.
How do I apply to a Specialist College?
ISC will require you to complete an application form. Your parents, carers or school can help you with this. You will need to have an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP) to apply for a place at an ISC. Most ISC hold regular open days and it is well worth attending one of these to have a look round. ISC will also arrange individual visits for you and your family on request.
What happens Next?
On receipt of your application you will be invited for assessment. This generally lasts for a half or full day. In advance of this, we will send the ISC your EHCP so that they know a lot about you and your needs before you arrive. Your parents/carers will generally come to the assessment with you but you should not feel nervous as College staff are very experienced in working with young people with special educational needs. After the assessment, the College will complete an assessment report. You will receive a copy of this as will the Local Authority. If the College feels that it is right for you, it will make you an offer of a place. This will be conditional on the Local Authority approving the funding required for your place in the ISC.
How long can I attend an ISC?
Nottinghamshire County Council usually fund placements at ISC for 3 days a week for a maximum of 2 years. Progression from your first to your second year is dependent on your attendance and on you making clear educational progress. If you are open to Social Care and eligible, activities for the other two days each week may be funded through them but not necessarily at College.
Can I stay overnight at an ISC?
Many ISC, including Portland, offer residential as well as day provision. Education funding will not be used to fund overnight provision but you may be eligible to receive some overnights from Adult Social Care. You would need to speak to your social worker about this.
Can I attend a residential ISC in another part of the Country?
There is a network of ISC across England and you can apply for a place at any of them that you think can meet your needs. However, we will only agree funding for an out of area placement in the very unlikely event that your needs cannot be met locally as we believe that Nottinghamshire learners should be encouraged to live and learn in their local communities.
Do I have to have gone to a Special School to get a place at an ISC?
No, in Nottinghamshire some learners from Special Schools go to mainstream Further Education colleges and some learners from mainstream schools have funding approved for ISC placements. If you have gone to a mainstream school, however, the Local Authority will want to understand why you need a specialist placement post-16 and may need to discuss your application with your family and the ISC. Part of the discussion may need to include what course/provision can only be accessed in an ISC that is not available via an mainstream college
What happens if the Local Authority refuses to fund my placement?
You will have appeal rights via the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Tribunal. For further information please go to SEND Local Offer Disagreements and Complaints
What about transport?
The same rules apply to learners applying to ISC as to mainstream colleges. Nottinghamshire County Council does have a post-16 special transport scheme and you may be eligible for this. For more information please go to Travel assistance for children and young people with special transport needs (Nottinghamshire County Council) (opens in new tab) You may also wish to access Independant Travel Training to help you to enable you to travel more indpendently without the need for Council funded transport.
What happens at the end of my 2 year placement?
Your future plans will be discussed with you and your family at regular review meetings in College and transition arrangements will be carefully planned. For some young people with the most complex needs, a move to provision funded through Adult Social Care may be the most appropriate route, for other young people employment may be the way forward. In some circumstances it may be possible for you to continue in education at a mainstream college but what you study will need to be different to the subjects you have already studied at the ISC and at a higher level, This will be discussed with you as part of your transition planning at college.