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Education
Your young person may want to continue their education. They may take a short course, complete an apprenticeship or go to college or university. There is support available to help your young person with their education.
Explore the topics on this page:
Reasonable adjustments and accommodations in education
Reasonable adjustments and accommodations in education
Reasonable adjustments are changes made to remove or reduce a disadvantage related to someone's disability. In education this can include:
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finding a different way to do something
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making physical changes to the environment like installing a ramp for wheelchair users
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changing equipment to meet their needs
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extra time in an exam to read, understand and provide answers
Colleges and universities will have a team to help support students with SEND. They will be able to help your young person at the college or university.
Disability Student Allowance (DSA)
The Disability Student Allowance (DSA) is a grant for university (higher education). It will help cover the study-related costs your young person has because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or any other disability.
The DSA can pay for:
- specialist equipment
- specialist software like Dragon, Clean, Read-Write etc.
- non-medical helpers and mentors like a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter
- extra travel to attend your course or placement due to their disability
- other disability-related support
Further education and higher education
Further education colleges provide a range of courses suitable for students of all abilities and interests. Most colleges will also offer specialist entry level supported learning courses that focus on developing basic skills and life skills.
Our Occupational Therapy Team are happy to speak to parents and further education colleges. We have had contact with special schools who support young people with EHCPs. We have also attended different moving on events.
List of colleges in Bedford Borough
List of colleges in Central Bedfordshire
Supported learning courses
Some further education colleges have courses designed for young people and adults with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). These courses focus on developing life skills and confidence.
Sense College East is a specialist independent college for SEND young people aged 16 to 25 years old. Sense College East is Ofsted registered and was graded 'Good' in February 2023.
The Bedford College Group have a variety of further education and higher education courses.
A series of courses for people with SEND. They are designed to help students build their independence and confidence.Other education providers
There are education providers who offer an informal study environment in smaller groups.
The Discovery College is an educational project, focused on improving young people’s wellbeing. It is open to all young person aged 13 to 18 years old living in Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Luton. They can join our free workshops held online and face-to-face.
Youth Inspired is a community organisation for people with learning difficulties, disabilities, autism or mental health conditions. They enabled them to learn, grow and achieve through training and support. They are a small independent learning provider and can respond quickly to the needs of learners.
Heywood House is based in Luton. It follows accredited educational programme specific to the needs of young adults with profound and complex difficulties.
The MacIntyre No Limits approach enables young people with autism, special education needs and social, emotional and mental health needs to continue their education and develop skills in preparation for adulthood. It is for young people aged 16 and over.
Courses for adults with stammers. These include therapy, workshops and intensive courses. 
Last reviewed: 16 July, 2025
