Strategic Report
How we achieved it
What we achieved
Strategic Report
Introduction
What we achieved
Plans for the future
National Star provides a wide range of education and personal development
Education and personal development
To offer high quality residential and day education and personal development programmes for people with disabilities, in order to help individuals develop and sustain personal skills.
What we achieved Every learning experience is unique at National Star to ensure it suits the needs and aspirations of the individual. Our multi– disciplinary approach means education, therapies, residential and nursing teams work together to enable each learner to achieve their goals. Our teaching methods are varied and innovative, with the emphasis on practical learning. The main education sites are Ullenwood in Cheltenham, Hereford and Mamhilad in Wales, as well as partnerships with colleges and local authorities across England, providing work–related programmes into employment and travel training. In 2020 – 2021, 96% of learners received an accredited full award. Due to the pandemic, all grades were calculated in line with guidance from Ofqual. During the year, 489 young adults benefitted from our education programmes. National Star Foundation Annual Report and Accounts 2020 – 2021
Strategic Report Independent auditors’ report
Our charitable activity
Learning did not stop at National Star during the pandemic. Teams adapted quickly with innovative approaches to ensure learners could continue their progress on their outcomes. Throughout the year, learning was accessed in cluster groups, each with its own dedicated care, therapies and education team. Three additional locations were sourced for Ullenwood day learners to limit risk of infection. The academic year ended on a high note when we re–introduced face–to–face Leavers’ Ceremonies. We ran eight in total with smaller groups of learners and for all involved they felt like a true celebration of a challenging year. In May, National Star invited Ofsted to undertake a Pilot Inspection of the college in light of how effectively normal inspection activities could be completed within COVID–19 restrictions. It was a great opportunity for National Star to learn for future inspections and the team picked up some valuable insights into how an inspection would work under the new Education Inspection Framework. National Star’s learning programmes focus on three outcomes: achieving work, learning skills to positively contribute to the community and learning the skills to engage with the world. As a charity, we are committed to providing residential learning as an important part of our provision because of the life skills outcomes learners achieve, alongside greater independence and confidence. In 2020 – 2021, we supported 119 residential learners.
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Financial statements
National Star provides a wide range of high quality education and personal development programmes to enable young people with complex disabilities to become equal and active citizens as they transition into adulthood.