NOCN Pathway
Post-16 Provision
A therapeutic education and vocational pathway for learners who have struggled to access or sustain mainstream education or college.
Two Core Vocational Subjects
Learners select two main vocational subjects from the NOCN pathway, building real skills for adulthood and employment.
Functional Skills in Maths and English are available at Cookham Lodge or Acorn House, where appropriate and commissioned. Learning is embedded into real-life contexts.
Tiered Placements
Placements are tiered based on readiness, with progression built in.
Tier 1
1 Day per week
Building trust and safe re-engagement
Tier 2
2 Days per week
Developing routine and vocational focus
Tier 3
3 Days per week
Full NOCN pathway and accreditation
Standard day: 09:40–14:30, term time. Available at any of our sites.
Digital Portfolio
A clear digital record of achievement including NOCN accreditation, vocational evidence, and Preparation for Adulthood progress — supporting transition to employment, training, or further education.
Reporting
Half-termly reviews covering attendance, engagement, regulation, wellbeing, accreditation progress, portfolio evidence, and next steps — reported directly to schools and local authorities.
Add-On Mentoring
Community-based or Wild Minds mentoring can be added to any placement — supporting regulation, independence, and transition outside of site-based sessions.
Available at Any of Our Sites
Delivery takes place across our farm and learning hubs, matched to each learner's needs and readiness.
The Farm
Animal care, land-based skills, construction and outdoor vocational learning.
Acorn House
Hair and Beauty, personal development, Functional Skills in Maths and English, and structured learning in a calm indoor setting.
Cookham Lodge
Therapeutic transition-to-adulthood environment. Independent living skills, travel training, work experience, community participation, Functional Skills, and preparation for independent adulthood.
Cookham Lodge
Independent Living and Preparation for Adulthood
Cookham Lodge provides a structured therapeutic environment where young people develop the practical life skills needed for adulthood, independence and successful transition beyond education.
Learning is purposeful, personalised and embedded into real-world experiences, supporting learners to build confidence, responsibility and readiness for adult life.
Independent Living Skills
- Meal planning and cooking
- Food shopping and budgeting
- Household cleaning and organisation
- Laundry and clothing care
- Gardening and environmental responsibility
- Home management skills
- Understanding household routines
- Personal organisation and time management
Community and Travel Skills
- Travel training and route planning
- Safe use of public transport
- Road safety and community awareness
- Accessing local facilities independently
- Building confidence in the community
- Understanding appointments and routines
Preparation for Employment
- Work experience opportunities
- Workplace expectations and routines
- Communication and teamwork
- CV development and interview preparation
- Timekeeping and reliability
- Problem solving and independence
- Employability skills development
Personal Development
- Building confidence and resilience
- Self-advocacy and communication
- Emotional regulation strategies
- Decision making and problem solving
- Managing responsibilities
- Developing independence safely
- Healthy routines and wellbeing
Government PfA Framework
Our approach aligns with the Government's Preparation for Adulthood outcomes, supporting progression towards:
Progress is evidenced through digital portfolios, accreditation pathways, practical learning and Preparation for Adulthood outcomes tracking.
Outcomes
Learners on our Post-16 programme typically demonstrate:
Ready to discuss a placement?
We welcome enquiries from schools, local authorities, and families.
Get in Touch