An Ofsted registered specialist further education college, we provide a bespoke and exciting curriculum for people aged 16-25 years with additional needs.
Work experience and internship opportunitiesWhy choose My Life Learning?
Background
My Life Learning is part of the charity My Life, which was set up as a result of a group of people with disabilities and their families wanting something different to traditional types of health and social care services, as well as more choice and control over their own lives.
Our staff have worked in education or the care system for periods of time, and we have seen that traditional approaches often fail the people we care about.
This is not usually because of a lack of compassion, but more often because things start with a focus on the question of “what’s the matter?” without giving enough thought to “what matters” to the person themselves.
Our firm belief is that if we do what we know works for people, if we really listen to them, if we see who they are and what they have to offer – each person different – if we walk alongside them, then we can go on to do great things.
Along with the charity’s innovative vision, mission and values, this belief is embedded deeply within My Life Learning.
Our vision
Our vision is simple – for people to have a good life. Our belief is if we all give a little, we all gain and grow together.
Our goals are based on the Citizenship Model and focus on the seven key themes below.
Our mission
We strive to work in a person-centred way with people of all ages who may need support to achieve a good life for themselves, and to enable people to feel in control of their own lives, have the emotional support to get through the tough times, and have all the information and help they need to work out their own solutions.
This is why, as well as focusing on the more academic aspects of learning, a key element of our teaching involves preparing learners for adulthood, to enable them to live a life of their choosing, both now and in the future, a life in which they have as much choice and control as possible.
Our values
Here at My Life Learning we firmly believe and follow the charity’s values, which underpin everything that we do.
As teaching professionals, we are one team, working in a collaborative manner, with no artificial or perceived boundaries;
- We celebrate and value the contribution of all people to society;
- We respect individual aspirations and needs; and,
- We provide person-centred high quality, life-enriching services.
Through the provision of high-quality education and support, we aim to give all our learners a purpose, independence, and a sense of belonging.
Choose My Life Learning and you will be choosing all that and much, much more.
Our curriculum is designed around the Preparing for Adulthood framework, creating individualised programmes
your own personalised pathway, where we help you to identify and pursue your very own life and career goals.
Set in our own dedicated area within 84 acres of green land, 
As well as offering work experience placements, we have access to café and residential chalet facilities, which provide learning in hospitality and catering, both front and back of house, providing opportunities for learners to experience real-world settings.
Sue joined the My Life Learning team in June 2018 as Deputy Head Teacher and brings a wealth of teaching and management experience. She started her teaching career in 1990 in Essex and then moved back to the North-West, where she continued her teaching in a mainstream high school, becoming Assistant Head Teacher in charge of Pastoral Care.
Caroline’s background is in teaching across all primary years, from Foundation Stage to Year 6. While teaching, she carried out the roles of SENCo, Deputy Head and then Acting Head. As SENCo, Caroline developed a whole school intervention programme to ensure positive outcomes for all pupils. She also delivered assessment training and moderation events for the local authority and led the school in the development of a creative curriculum.
Kevin is an experienced education professional, with expertise in school improvement, leadership development, change management, complex data analysis and performance management.
Andy has wide experience and success in education, with a range of leadership roles and headships in secondary schools across the North West. The main focus of Andy’s work and expertise has always centred on enabling students to become “successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens,” and this has led to some remarkable results both for the students themselves and the schools they attend.
With her son a student at My Life Learning, Debbie has been a parent governor since 2020. She also has deep experience of the health, special educational needs and care sectors, having practiced as a nurse in mental health for 13 years – and a nurse in learning difficulties for a further seven years.
As Sharon has herself experienced the incredible difference My Life Learning can and should make for people and their families, she is perfectly placed to be our Community Governor.
My Life Learning is committed to supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes from their time with us. For some learners this includes progression into employment.
Learner Sumaiyah made amazing progress during her weekly work experience at Barnardo’s.
Learner Luke Unsworth performed brilliantly during his work placement at The Grange Community Gardens in Preston. Having been given a wide variety of gardening tasks to complete by manager Chris, including planting tomato plants, wildflowers, potatoes, peas, spreading manure(!) weeding and edging, Luke has thrived in his new working environment.
Learner Liam is passionate about animals and is studying towards a Level Two qualification in Animal Care, including Health and Safety in the Workplace.
Learner Luke has developed his confidence whilst learning new skills on the shop floor at Halfords.
“I have been learning how to do things for myself and by myself – I can now go to the toilet by myself, take my plate back to the kitchen, sort out my own lunchbox (putting it in the fridge and collecting it from the fridge). I am becoming more independent.” Nathaniel A
“I enjoy Fridays when I do the dog walk and Dance and Drama. We do a quiz and karaoke. I love singing and answering questions.” Ryan
“My Life Learning have been brilliant with my child. It is the only educational setting he has been happy at. Not only has he interacted, he’s made friends and become a happier young man.”
Last night when Gareth was at Duke of Edinburgh, they were learning map reading. Chris who leads the group came to me telling me how impressed he was with Gareth as he knew every sign. I told him that he had been learning about this at My Life Learning (Duke of Edinburgh). Can’t tell you how proud I was! Thought it was important to share this as I’m sure the staff would be very proud of Gareth too. Thank you for making Gareth’s learning meaningful and fun. This is the first time in years I have felt stress free about Gareth’s education, he’s just so happy!”
“Luke has enjoyed work experience which has extended his interests beyond his previous very limited interests i.e. Eurovision and football. He has particularly enjoyed working at The Grange and horticulture related activities.
Here at My Life Learning we welcome learners from any location and any school.
We understand the emotional impact that new environments can have on new students and always put in place a transitional period when they join us, which helps smooth their pathway to learning.
We are committed to ensuring that the children and young people we teach are able to learn in a safe and nurturing environment and are proud of the fact that many of the testimonials we receive from parents and carers express how happy and safe their loved ones feel in our care.
If you are concerned about the welfare, safety or rights of a learner at My Life Learning, please call our Safeguarding Team on 01257 472 900 or email either 
