Classroom home from home

9:46am Sunday 25th May 2008

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Basic life skills are something most of us take for granted. But one college has recognised some students might need a helping hand.

Southgate College has devised a pioneering method to help people with learning difficulties gain independence and develop the skills they need to fulfil their potential.

The Lodge is a realistic home setting in which people with learning difficulties can hone basic domestic skills such as cleaning, cooking and shopping.

Along with practical skills, it hopes to build confidence, independence and self-respect.

Vice principal John Spindler said: "The idea is that learning in a domestic situation, a real context, will be easier than in the theoretical context of a classroom.

"The temptation in a lot of colleges is to never break out of the classroom, but often the students will forget and won't take it all on board.

"This is a shift to make sure these important skills stay with them."

The classes comprise a few hours a week between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and cater for 30 to 40 students at the college.

Mr Spindler stressed they run in addition to normal lessons, rather than in place of them. But he believes the skills learned are just as important as maths, science or English.

"It is just as important, maybe more, to teach them how to make breakfast, how to budget, how to have a healthy diet and plan a shopping trip, than it is to teach them percentages," he said.

"I think more colleges should focus on these real life practical skills, because these are the skills that will make a proper impact on these students' lives."

The Lodge is a 20th Century ex-caretakers' property in the grounds of the college, in High Street, Southgate.

Its large, overgrown garden allows students to grow organic vegetables and herbs, gives students an opportunity to learn about the natural environment, and offers a peaceful spot where they can reflect and relax.

"The garden is in a contained space, like the cottage itself, and there is a great advantage of being able to teach independent living in a focused environment," Mr Spindler added.

"It provides an additional level of comfort for the people using it."

However, the principal admitted the college was struggling to find the funds to equip The Lodge and made an appeal for domestic and garden equipment.

Specifically required are cooking equipment, crockery, cutlery, a day bed, linen, a small coffee table, a potting shed, garden tools, a greenhouse, bulbs and hanging baskets.

Mr Spindler added: "If you are able to donate anything to The Lodge you would be helping the local learning disability community, who one day may be able to have the skills to repay the generosity given by supporting the local community themselves."