What we do
Our History
Work Skills Learning (WSL) was established in 2005 to support children and young people aged 16-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, who have Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs). During this period, we have worked with numerous young people referred to us through their local authorities. Our learners have successfully gained skills and qualifications for successful transitions into adulthood, including work, colleges, universities, internships and supported internships.
In addition, we have used our extensive experience in SEND to support our local community by delivering our Level 2 and Level 3 Teaching Assistant programme for schools, to enable them to support their SEND children more effectively. Between 2008 and 2022 we worked with over 500 Hackney residents to achieve these qualifications, helping them develop professional skills and progress into employment within both primary and secondary education settings. Some of our former students have since gone on to become qualified teachers.
About WSL
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, paid or voluntary, transition to college, supported internships, apprenticeships, or university. We work closely with each young person 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.
Our Curriculum
All our pupils have an Educational Health Care plan, EHCP. We are fully aware of the impact that barriers and access to education can have on the achievement of some young people. The curriculum, therefore, works to provide all young people with the opportunity to engage with a broad range of academic and practical subjects in a purposeful programme to develop skills for the future.