“There really was no alternative”
“There were no other options! Without Derwen College, we would have had to provide education ourselves along with personal assistants at home. That would have had a negative impact on Alice’s self–esteem – particularly as her twin brother moved away at the same time. Alice would never have experienced living away from home, and so we would not have seen her thrive.”
That’s the difference that specialist further education has made for Alice and her family, says Mum Amanda.
Alice, aged 19 and from Cheshire, is a residential student on Derwen College’s Learning for Life programme, progressing towards the Hospitality and Food pathway. She has Down Syndrome, Autism, and associated learning and communication difficulties, and uses Makaton signs and symbols to help communicate. The College’s person–centred approach has helped Alice to flourish, both in and out of the classroom.
In her residence, Alice is building independence every day – learning practical life skills including personal care, housekeeping, shopping, travel, and community access, ensuring that learning is relevant, meaningful, and transferable to everyday life, all supported by Makaton signing throughout the environment.
Her passion for Makaton goes beyond College life. Alice has become a national advocate, even bringing Makaton to the mainstream through her campaigning on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. She regularly teaches new signs to students and staff, creates accessible resources, and shares baking tutorials on her YouTube channel, Cook Along With Alice, using easy-to-follow Makaton instructions. Everyone at College was proud this year when Alice was named winner of the Advocacy, Policy and Media category at the Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ Awards for her outstanding work promoting Makaton signing and inclusive communication.
Alice is also working towards her Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s award, and enjoys a busy social life enjoying bingo, yoga, and swimming.
Derwen College’s commitment to bespoke, person-centred support is at the heart of Alice’s success. As part of Natspec’s The Power of Specialist FE campaign, Alice’s story is just one example of how specialist further education transforms lives – helping young people like Alice to reach their full potential.
