‘We had spent ages looking for a place for our son. The criteria was a small family setting with an emphasis on self help skills and gaining independence’ (parent)

Promoting Independence

Learning to Live Independently

Each student follows a needs led Individual Learning Programme for the duration of their time at Vyrnwy Academy with access to Open College Network (OCN) units in-house. Our comprehensive learning programme includes:

•Key Skills: Communication, ICT, Literacy, Numeracy, working with others, problem solving and self-assessment.


•Independent Living Skills: self-confidence, self-advocacy, social skills, time management, making choices/decisions, accessing services and support, developing relationships, home management, budgeting.


•Personal Development: Citizenship, self-advocacy, personal autonomy, expressing opinions, personal safety, taking informed risks, controlling emotions, personal health and hygiene, health and safety, healthy eating, exercise, fire safety, medication and medicines.


•Practical skills: Opportunities to develop individual practical skills through activity based learning projects, basic computing, art and craft activities, design, gardening, use of tools, painting and decorating, working with fabrics, basic mechanics, telephone skills, shopping, using public transport, following instructions.


•Work Experience: Vocational studies and activities, real work experience, careers advice, visits to industry, time-keeping and attendance, following rules, health and safety in the workplace, earnings, personal tax and allowances, appropriate clothing and equipment, preparing a CV and/or Record of Achievement.


•Student Support: Counseling, behaviour management, external advocacy services, communication, transition, acquisition of accommodation, range of individual therapies, planning leisure activities, socialising in the community.


•Leisure Activities: Community involvement, costing, filling free time, pursuing personal interests, joining 'clubs', attending sporting events, booking events, choosing activities, using public amenities, arranging transport, eating out, shopping for pleasure, organising friends, accessing sports facilities, individual and group activities, co-operation and team-building activities, lone activities, gathering information.