A key part of the Post 19 Provision is using the process of living independently at St Catherine’s as an important life skill learning opportunity.

Supported by our experienced team and specialist therapists, we focus on helping them achieve four distinct levels of independence:

• Level 1 – completing the introduction to their new learning house
• Level 2 - working towards accessing Ventnor town safely and independently
• Level 3 - being able to travel independently around the Isle of Wight by bus or train
• Level 4 - travelling independently to their homes on the mainland by ferry and hovercraft

Across each of the levels, the life skills programme is broken down into the following areas:

• personal hygiene
• building and understanding friendships and relationships
• managing medical needs - administer medication independently, ordering prescriptions
• personal presentation
• housework and daily living skills
• money management and budgeting
• accessing and using local shops
• kitchen skills and cookery
• staying safe and appropriately using a mobile phone
• using the internet safely and appropriately
• time telling
• making appointments with external services e.g. medical services, sports appointments and planning and travelling independently

Each area is broken up into small stages so that we can assess students’ progress step-by-step. In total, there are around 500 steps that students can cover if they complete the entire programme.