Valley College is a specialist post 16 institution (SPI) owned by and part of the Sea View Trust. The college offers a post-18 course which has been designed to meet the needs of a specific group of Learners with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LLDD) on a programme of up to 3 years. Learners admitted to the college roll are aged between 18 to 25 years and have an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) identifying their needs and individual objectives. College uses statutory documentation alongside in-house assessment materials to baseline new learners.

Valley College is located on two sites; Rossendale on the Ewood Campus and Blackpool at The Oracle.

Valley College, Rossendale is a 4 day provision- Tuesday to Friday- 08.50am to 3:15pm.

Valley College, Blackpool is a 5 day provision- Monday-Friday- 8.50-2.45pm.

Our vision for college learners is to equip them with the skills to be fully included in their own community. College can be a pathway to paid work, further study or meaningful volunteering. Our pathways are accredited and we have formed an extensive employment networks with local business and community organisations.  

Our 3 current pathways are titled:

  • Pathway to Independence 
  • Pathway to Employability                                                    
  • Pathway to Employment 

This provision includes:

  • Individualised Curriculum;                                                                            
  • Support for personal development;
  • Modified curriculum resources, including multi-sensory approaches;
  • Speech and Language enhanced staff, including staff skilled in Alternative & Augmentative Communication;
  • Access to a wide range of specialist tutors including HI/VI/ASD tutors;
  • Staff trained in Moving and Handling with the ability to implement Physiotherapy Programmes;
  • Support to develop social skills, including self-regulation;
  • Appropriate levels of supervision, including support for less structured activities and in the work place;
  • Highly trained staff offering a range of targeted strategies to enhance learner progress;
  • A strategic link to Teaching School and Outstanding Special Learning Community with access to staff Continuing Professional Development and innovative pedagogy;
  • Structured intervention cycle; precise assessment of prior learning and skills; SMART target setting; targeted teaching; evaluations of individual outcomes;
  • Learner centered review process involving advocates and social care/health staff where relevant incorporating mental capacity assessments;
  • Staff trained in a range of medical procedures.

Valley College, Rossendale is based at the Ewood Campus and includes a dedicated training room, business enterprise room, a retail room, a resource area, a meeting room and office space. In addition, the college has a fully equipped independence flat with a through lounge diner, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom and a fully equipped catering training kitchen.

Valley College, Blackpool is based at The Oracle and includes a dedicated training room, office space and meeting room. In addition, the college has access to a fully functioning accessible gym, café area and dance/theatre space.

Learners accessing Valley College can also access Trust resources including the Garage Café, and horticulture provision.