Birtenshaw College Prospectus December 2015

Birtenshaw College Thank you for your interest in Birtenshaw College, a specialist further education college for young people aged 16-25.

Our vision is ‘brightening lives and building futures’ and this exciting new venture is a natural extension of our 3-19 specialist school provision.

We have responded to the local need for further education for learners with a disability who may find it difficult to access mainstream college courses due to the level of support they require.

Our college provides a structured programme offering development of independent living skills, literacy and numeracy, work-based vocational skills, and therapeutic learning activities.

We offer care and support to children and young adults with a moderate to severe learning disability and/or complex health needs, in conjunction with: - Autistic Spectrum Disorder - Communication difficulties - Multi-sensory impairment - Significant medical conditions - Physical disability - Behaviours that some may find challenging.

Birtenshaw College offers adults between the ages of 16 to 25 a unique opportunity to access education and training to suit their individual needs. Our students also have the option to attend on a full-time or sessional basis.

Choosing a college for a student with complex needs can be a difficult decision. If you would like to arrange to come and see the college for yourself please contact us and I will be delighted to meet with you.

Julie Barnes Director of Education and Care Services

The Study Programme The programme provides: 

a structured programme of activities and education

daily

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a high level of personal care and support where required, including support for complex health needs



development of independent living skills, including self-care, cooking, understanding money and accessing community facilities



literacy and numeracy basic skills



arts activities to develop skills in communication, expression and creativity



work-based skills linked to enterprise projects in the local community, growing vegetables and plants and caring for a sensory garden

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therapeutic learning activities including hydrotherapy and other sensory activities

We operate a Total Communication approach were we view every behaviour as communication and it is our duty to understand what the young person wants or needs. We ensure that our routines and structures support the students to feel safe and happy.

Peter’s Story Peter has a severe learning disability due to Downs Syndrome, as well as hyperkinetic disorder and autistic features.

Prior to starting our Enrichment Programme Peter had attended a local special school but had been unable to access much of the curriculum due to an extensive history of incidents that placed both himself and others at risk of harm.

Peter quickly became aggressive in situations and environments that were busy and noisy with lots of social interaction. He found friendships with his peers very difficult.

Peter is now in his twenties and recently moved to Birtenshaw College after attending our Enrichment Programme for a over year.

He loves doing practical tasks, especially wood work. He also enjoys cooking and we have seen his confidence grow as well as his independence skills.

He has made some friendships that are supported and sustained through Birtenshaw.

Peter does still become distressed at times but the staff working with him know him well and are able to support him to feel safe and calm. *name has been changed

Accessible and Motivating Birtenshaw College is fully accessible and autism-friendly. This includes using low arousal dĂŠcor and lighting, safe indoor and outdoor sensory spaces, breakout classrooms and quiet calm rooms.

The spacious grounds provide the space for horticulture and other land-based activities.

Each student will access an individualised study programme delivered by qualified staff who are trained and experienced to meet the specific needs of young adults with complex needs.

Birtenshaw College will enable learners who, in the past have needed to go outside of Bolton for specialist provision, to stay within the borough and give families greater choice.

We have strong links with Bolton College and see this new development as an opportunity for further partnership working with the college.

We want to ensure that the young adults we support have the same access to social, education and work opportunities as other young adults.

Enrichment Facilities Small Holding The small holding allows children and young adults greater opportunities to take part in outdoor learning through animal care, habitat management, horticulture, small-scale woodwork and so much more.

The small holding enables students to not only develop their practical skills but work towards recognised accredited qualifications.

Gym As the only inclusive gym in the area, this facility provides a safe area for the students and local people to continue their participation in exercise and fitness.

Our accessible equipment minimises the risk of physical injury, while the calm and quiet surroundings promote confidence, enabling them to work towards greater general fitness.

The facility has many additional benefits such as improved reaction time, balance and mobility as well as better social interaction.

Progression and Accreditation The study programmes are accessible, motivating and will provide positive and enriching activities. These are delivered at an appropriate level that will include progression and may lead to accreditation (ASDAN, AQA, Arts Award, BTEC).

Quote from a Parent

"It's good to do something that's not a traditional activity. My son wants to be engaged in purposeful activity so the natural learning sessions are perfect for him.�

Under Development: Cafe

Staffing Our classes are taught by qualified and experienced teachers who are specialists in Special Education Needs.

Each group is supported by a team of Learning Support Assistants. A list of staff and their qualifications is available on request.

Our community cafĂŠ will soon be open, allowing students to gain experience within a realistic working environment, enabling them to gain valuable skills which will enhance employment prospects.

Safeguarding Keeping every learner safe is our top priority. All of our staff have an enhanced DBS (previously CRB) clearance and participate in extensive safeguarding training.

Interactive Library The development of an interactive library is underway, which will work along side our traditional library, but with the addition of audio books, tablets for reading as well as an interactive floor projector. These will enable the students to interact with the books and stories they are reading.

Birtenshaw College Off Crompton Way Bolton BL2 2PE Phone: 01204 304230 Email: enquiries@birtenshaw.org.uk *Formally known as Firwood House Registered Charity 1092798