The SAND Project

About

This is an independent service, which is not run by the NHS or WSCC.

This service is not checked by WSCC and including it on the Local Offer website does not mean that it is a recommended service.

Before using this service, we recommend you make your own checks. Your checks should include being happy that: the service will meet your needs; staff are properly qualified; policies are in place to keep everyone safe and you know how much the service will cost.

Use this guidance for advice about what to ask to help you make sure that children and young people are happy and protected in clubs, groups and activities. Find out more on our terms and disclaimer.

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The SAND Project offers practical, meaningful, rich learning experiences in real life settings to young people from 16-25 with EHCPs. We take the time to get to know our trainees as individuals. We use a strength based approach to build confidence and self-esteem whilst gaining skills and experience in all of the Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) outcomes. Our trainees learn how to harness their neurodivergent assets and we prepare them for their adult lives with the goal of meaningful paid work.

What we do

• Our curriculum is split into three strands and the trainees access all the strands over their time with us. 1. Pathways teach the skills needed to become employable, based on the Job Profiles from the National Careers service. Pathways such as catering, art, woodwork, creative writing, screenprinting, media, photography, sewing, are focused around our public facing enterprises: Cafes, Bay and East Toast Retail shop, Artisand Air BnB, Sand Suites
• 2. Work Skills which consist of Listening Speaking Problem solving Creativity Staying Positive Aiming High Leadership Teamwork
• 3. Life and Living, a practical curriculum focusing on independence, wellbeing, community engagement and managing finances, offering modules such as: Fitness- gym with an emphasis on “working out” Social Fitness with an emphasis on connection Cleaning and housekeeping Sexual health Relationships including friendships Finance Travel Training Shopping on a budget Cooking simple meals on a budget Finding meaningful leisure opportunities in the community Global citizenship- debating current affairs Having a voice- being part of the SEND Participation group at West Sussex Council
• Along side Pathways, all trainees will be expected to engage with our Work Experience offer: placements in a range of local businesses, supported by our team of job Coaches. These placements will tend to be one day a week for 6 weeks and happen in college time. We currently have placements in: local cafes shops care homes kitchens farms hardware outlets pest control firms, libraries printing businesses We try to find opportunities for trainees in line with their interests and our team is skilled at linking trainees with workplaces they can thrive in, thereby providing the best possibly chance of securing paid work.
• Supported Living Opportunity. We are also working with Grace Eyre who are running a supported living opportunity in the Airbnb flat every Tuesday and Wednesday so that our trainees can gain experience and confidence in this area.

Age range

16-25

Wheelchair accessible

Other

Free to use

No

Requires referral

Yes

Requires application

Yes

Our users say

Kate is an inspirational teacher who works with young people to transform the skills they have developed in schools to ones they confidently use in the wider community to ensure they can become economically active.
Phillip Potter, Headteacher, Oak Grove