|
FETH Course students usually begin in the Autumn Term and live at The FCRT's Wootton Hall Farm location. During the day learning
takes place in groups of a maximum of eight people.
Students work together with their group teacher either at the
Avon Tyrrell location or at Wootton Hall Farm travelling between the
two in FCRT mini-buses. Each group, named
after a pony breed, is responsible for the care of a number of horses. The daily timetable also includes mounted work, vaulting, Wordpower; Numberpower; money management, horse care and stable management and personal
development and health sessions. Students also develop self-awareness and communication skills, an ability to travel independently on public transport, and to use local shops and facilities -
eg. Sports Centre, trips to the
theatre and equestrian events.
As students mature they have opportunity
to live
in smaller houses (see right - McNaught House), which means that
they are able to be more involved in certain aspects of running a
household than when they first arrive and are accommodated in a larger residential environment.
All learning is approached through horse-based situations and comparisons. Horses are acceptable to the students and facilitate the means by which an individual can feel and visualise new
understanding. Through horses, non-learners can become learners and the uncooperative begin to appreciate the value of co-operation.
Prospective students make a short visit to The Centre following their
referral, accompanied by parents or guardians. After discussion, if it is considered appropriate, the young person then visits The FCRT on a one-day assessment. The young person joins an appropriate group at
Avon Tyrrell and both the individual and the staff have the chance to gain more information. Following a positive one-day assessment, applicants are
offered the opportunity of attending a seven day residential assessment. By this time the individual and their family or carers have sufficient information and experience to decide whether or not they wish to be
considered for the FETH Course. A report is written by The FCRT and a placement offer made, subject to the suitability of the individual for the Course.
A student's progress on the FETH Course is monitored through their practical development, staff contact which enables
students to be thoroughly assessed in all areas, an individual learning plan, daily reporting by staff, regular meetings
between staff, and between staff and students and assessment of developing skills in all areas of learning. During the
Course, parents and guardians and a student's Careers Adviser and Social Worker meet with FCRT staff to review progress and aims. Parents and guardians meet with FCRT staff for 'Parents' Days'.
If it is appropriate, students undertake Work Experience elsewhere.
Placements are provided in both horse and non-horse-based situations.
For some students a work experience placement may lead to longer-term
occupation in the future. The FCRT uses its network of contacts and
its willingness to inform and support employers to provide opportunities
for FETH Course leavers. Aims and objectives related to the needs of
the student determine The FCRT's recommendation for the next step on
from the FETH Course. Some leavers move on into occupation, some
progress to further training and others make the transition into longer-stay
care situations, living independently of their families and now with
sufficient skills to make a positive and fulfilling contribution in
the appropriate environment.
When students leave the FETH Course they automatically become members of the 'Old Fortunates' Association
(OFA).
Through its regular mailings The FCRT tries to keep in touch with students who have left. Students leave The Centre
knowing that they are always welcome to seek its help and support, if required, and to come back and visit when they can. Back
CONTINUED |
