Special Educational Needs (SEND)

Our Nido Volans centres have been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted and named College of the Year (2019) in Pearson’s Prestigious Shine a Light Awards. More recently (2021), we have won the National SEND Award for Most Inclusive Practice in FE/HE.

Nido Volans Centres

The SEND team provides discrete study programmes at Bromley, Bexley and Lambeth Nido Volans Centres. Nido Volans means ‘fly the nest’, and we aim to give our learners the skills, personal development and qualifications they need to work and live with greater independence.

Our employability programmes and extensive employer network help us identify employment opportunities for learners with Special Education Needs and Disabilities, allowing them to work and develop their skills. We also support the development of the skills of young people with more severe to complex needs need to life within the local community through our Independent Living programmes.

Nido Volans - Bromley

The learners develop both employability and independent living skills, supported by our specialist team, to prepare them for their adult life and the world of work. Our facilities at Bromley include our ‘Chefs Table’ training kitchen and restaurant, a manufacturing workshop, horticultural facilities (including a large polytunnel) and a performance space which is home to Greengoose Performing Arts - creating the perfect learning environment to develop learners’ skills.

Nido Volans - Bexley

The facilities at Bexley include an accessible independent living kitchen, a manufacturing workshop, a performance space, art and enterprise, personal presentation and ICT rooms. At the Bromley Campus, learners develop both employability and independent living skills. Students on the Personal Progression Pathways course benefit from the Walnut Tree Theatre Group, where learners participate in musical theatre workshops and a curriculum designed to develop their communication and social interaction skills. The group also put on three shows a year.

Nido Volans - Lambeth

The new facilities at Lambeth include an accessible independent living kitchen, a manufacturing workshop, an art and enterprise studio, a bespoke classroom for our learners with complex needs, and general ICT rooms. At Lambeth, learners develop both employability and independent living skills. Students on the Personal Progression Pathways course benefit from a personalised curriculum.  All learners actively use the local community to increase confidence and independence.  The facilities are fully accessible and offer dedicated spaces for SaLT, physio and occupational therapy.

Coffee Mornings

Our coffee morning events provide a fantastic opportunity for parents/carers and potential learners to understand what studying at the Outstanding Nido Volans Centre is like. You will be shown around the facilities while your host discusses the available course pathways. Our staff will outline specific admissions requirements, detail the learner support systems in place and answer any questions you might have regarding transitions and learner-specific needs.

All coffee mornings run for approximately one hour.

• Bromley Campus

  To find out more contact:

  Clare Hollick
  Email Clare at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  Phone 020 3954 5468

  Tuesday 12 November	9.45am-10.45am
  Wednesday 27 November	9.45am-10.45am
  Wednesday 11 December	9.45am-10.45am
  Wednesday 15 January	9.45am-10.45am
  Wednesday 29 January	9.45am-10.45am
  Wednesday 12 February	9.45am-10.45am
  Wednesday 5 March	9.45am-10.45am
  Wednesday 19 March	9.45am-10.45am
  Wednesday 23 April	9.45am-10.45am
  Wednesday 7 May	9.45am-10.45am

  
  

• Bexley Campus

  To find out more contact:

  Ellie Watson
  Email Ellie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  Phone 020 3954 4189

  Friday 15 November	10am-11am
  Friday 29 November	10am-11am
  Friday 13 December	10am-11am
  Friday 17 January	10am-11am
  Friday 31 January	10am-11am
  Friday 14 February	10am-11am
  Friday 7 March	10am-11am
  Friday 21 March	10am-11am
  Friday 25 April	10am-11am

   

• Lambeth Campus

  To find out more contact:

  Chinwe Okonkwo
  Email Chinwe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  Phone 020 7326 5890

  Tuesday 12 November	10am-11am
  Tuesday 3 December	10am-11am
  Tuesday 14 January	10am-11am
  Tuesday 4 February	10am-11am
  Tuesday 25 February	10am-11am
  Tuesday 12 May	10am-11am
  Tuesday 10 June	10am-11am
  Tuesday 1 July	10am-11am