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Neuropod

Discover Neuropod, a safe and inclusive space for students with an EHCP who are on the autism spectrum.

How to apply

The Neuropod at Brooklands Technical College

The Neuropod is a safe and inclusive support space for students who are on the autism spectrum and have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

In partnership with Surrey County Council, the Neuropod is specifically designed for learners who can engage with wider Further Education courses, but will benefit from a supportive environment and network to help them succeed.

Young man wearing glasses and a sports jacket, leaning over a desk and writing with a pen
A college staff member wearing a lanyard speaks with students at a table, next to a banner listing learning support services

In September 2024, the Neuropod opened to 30 learners – consisting of progressing students and new applicants to the college. Students enrol in their chosen technical course, while accessing tailored support through the Neuropod.

This support is available throughout the day, offering assistance with areas such as:

  • Study skills
  • Social skills development
  • Emotional regulation

Dedicated staff members provide guidance both inside and outside the classroom, working closely with teachers to implement effective strategies.

Meet the team

A smiling female staff member wearing a black blazer and a pink Brooklands College staff lanyard

Sahar Mahmood

Additional Learning Support Lead

Joe Sheehan

ASC Learning Mentor – Neuropod

Jo Bubb

Learning Mentor – Neuropod

Benefits include

Based within a wider Further Education college, students benefit from a broad college experience whilst receiving bespoke support.

Students can study a technical course of their choice whilst also accessing specialised support tailored to their needs.

An assigned Learning Mentor with experience working with autistic young people will serve as a key point of contact for the student and their parents/carers.

Learning Mentors work closely with the student and their support network to ensure consistent care, understanding and effective communication.

A dedicated safe space within the college, supervised by staff, available for use during both structured and unstructured times as needed.

Ongoing pastoral support tailored to the individual. Whether they need a quiet space, someone to talk to or a safe place to share frustrations, support from a Learning Mentor will be personalised to meet their unique needs.

Opportunities to develop social skills and build friendships with peers, guided and supported by staff.

Bespoke study skills support for coursework-based assignments and exam preparation.

Access to Speech and Language Therapy through Surrey’s Post-16 Speech and Language Service.

Hear from our students

“It has given me a quiet place to hang out and decompress without being so crowded. It gives me a sense of belonging.”

“I like how it has a relaxed atmosphere with things like fidget toys if you need them. It is very friendly and gives you your own space to hang out.”

“I would describe it like the Learning Hub with familiar faces, friendly to neurodivergent people and directly targets their needs.”

Hear from Parents/Carers

Our son took the huge leap to mainstream college from the SEND building this academic year. Without the Neuropod I don’t believe the transition would’ve been as smooth as it has been. He’s able to take himself there whenever he feels overwhelmed or needs a quiet and supportive space to carry out independent work. He has become much more independent in taking in his lunch and being able to prepare a pot noodle with teacher support if he needs it. He can be himself in the Pod and engage with friends. The calm enrichment that the Pod brings is a huge benefit to his learning journey. Having a mentor has been very beneficial as he’s able to speak to his mentor about anything. When he was struggling with a new classroom with sensory sensitivities, the mentor was able to resolve the issues immediately with the teacher and has resolved any issues he has had since. He is looking forward to another year at college and being able to access the Pod and support alongside his studies will bring him confidence and a dedicated space for him to succeed.”

The Neuropod and its Learning Mentors are so important. My daughter has an EHCP and she really struggles, but knowing her Learning Mentor and the Pod are there any time of the day helps her massively. Her Learning Mentor and learning support team really understand her and students like her. They know how to deal with meltdowns, anxiety, socialising and how to teach life skills. Without the Neuropod, my daughter would never have reached mainstream education.”

The Neuropod at Brooklands is an absolute godsend for my son. He finds the wider college particularly overwhelming & quite frightening overall. To have a safe, easily accessible space for him to access has certainly enabled him to try to strategise & manage his heightened anxieties more successfully on a day to day basis. There is no doubt in my mind that having the Neuropod has eased my son’s transition from the SEND unit to the wider college. It has helped him feel more comfortable & believe that he can achieve in a mainstream environment & be able to focus on his studying more effectively. My sincere thanks to those involved in the idea & execution of the Neuropod – a great success as far as I’m concerned!”

The future

As part of the wider Brooklands Technical College redevelopment, construction starts at the beginning of 2026 for a new Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) building.

This facility will provide a specialist post-16 SEND provision, and with an additional investment by Surrey County Council, will accommodate up to 260 student places. Building work is planned to be completed during 2027.

The Neuropod will have a dedicated space in the new Vickers building.

Neuropod design

How to apply:

  • Apply online for your chosen technical course
  • Please note that the Neuropod is different to our SEND & Transition department
  • Advise your SEN Case Officer at your Local Authority that you would like to apply for your chosen course with Neuropod support. Your Case Officer will need to send a formal consultation of your EHCP to EHCP@brooklands.ac.uk specifying the application is for the Neuropod.

Entry requirements:

  • An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
  • Diagnosis of Austism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
  • Potential to access a Further Education curriculum between Levels 1 to 3 (there may also be specific entry requirements for the young person’s chosen technical course).