northerncare schools represent the
best opportunity for many young people to achieve the learning outcomes
that lead to fulfilling lives and successful employment. We believe that
education can break the vicious circles of social deprivation and exclusion,
and help troubled and apathetic children to gain stability and a pride
in their achievements. We believe that children and young people deserve
to achieve the most positive outcomes possible during their time with
us.
Aims
northerncare schools provide a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum at whatever level is judged to be appropriate to the individual needs, age and intellectual development stage of the young person. As far as possible this curriculum is within the framework of the National Curriculum, with appropriate modifications.
DCSFand OfSTED
All our on-site education provisions are either registered with the DCSFas independent schools or in the process of becoming registered. Aspects of the schools’ work with pupils have been described as ‘outstanding’ and ‘excellent’ in recent OfSTED inspections.
Referrals and Admissions
Children and young people who attend northerncare schools are usually resident within a northerncare home. Referrals are, therefore, normally made through social services but northerncare schools would be pleased to accept a direct education referral where an associated residential placement is deemed appropriate.
Staff Pupil Ratio
The maximum number of students at each school is six except at The Nook which takes up to eight pupils. We employ qualified and experienced teaching staff, teaching assistants and non-teaching support in our schools. This means a ratio of 1:2 in many schools. In some cases our students require additional resources; this may include 1:1 teaching. This small group environment and high staff to pupil ratio is very successful with pupils who have shown themselves unable to accept the anonymity and large class sizes of mainstream or bigger special schools.
Enriched Curriculum
The curriculum is enriched and extended by taking the learning process outside the classroom and into all aspects of the young peoples’ lives. Our homes and schools are integrated in such a way that the care staff consider themselves to be part of the education process and contribute actively to the personal, social and health development of the young people. There are many and varied opportunities for our young people to enhance their skills and widen their experiences including an opportunity for some students to take part in a full programme of outdoor pursuits such as ghyll scrambling and fell walking. These instructor-led activities can be formally accredited through ASDAN and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme or simply enjoyed as confidence and self-esteem building exercises. There are also many opportunities for the students to take part in social and recreational activities both inside the school and outside in the community as appropriate.
Certification
northerncare offers an extensive range of certification opportunities ranging from on-demand tests in literacy and numeracy to ASDAN and GCSE. Through AQA registration all our children benefit from sitting both internal and external examinations in the familiar surroundings of their classroom, which is of particular importance to those young people whose access to the wider community is restricted. Non-classroom based pursuits including the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, St John’s Ambulance First Aid awards and in one home Professional Association of Diving Instructors certificates, allow less academically able students to achieve in their own right.
Aims
northerncare schools provide a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum at whatever level is judged to be appropriate to the individual needs, age and intellectual development stage of the young person. As far as possible this curriculum is within the framework of the National Curriculum, with appropriate modifications.
DCSFand OfSTED
All our on-site education provisions are either registered with the DCSFas independent schools or in the process of becoming registered. Aspects of the schools’ work with pupils have been described as ‘outstanding’ and ‘excellent’ in recent OfSTED inspections.
Referrals and Admissions
Children and young people who attend northerncare schools are usually resident within a northerncare home. Referrals are, therefore, normally made through social services but northerncare schools would be pleased to accept a direct education referral where an associated residential placement is deemed appropriate.
Staff Pupil Ratio
The maximum number of students at each school is six except at The Nook which takes up to eight pupils. We employ qualified and experienced teaching staff, teaching assistants and non-teaching support in our schools. This means a ratio of 1:2 in many schools. In some cases our students require additional resources; this may include 1:1 teaching. This small group environment and high staff to pupil ratio is very successful with pupils who have shown themselves unable to accept the anonymity and large class sizes of mainstream or bigger special schools.
Enriched Curriculum
The curriculum is enriched and extended by taking the learning process outside the classroom and into all aspects of the young peoples’ lives. Our homes and schools are integrated in such a way that the care staff consider themselves to be part of the education process and contribute actively to the personal, social and health development of the young people. There are many and varied opportunities for our young people to enhance their skills and widen their experiences including an opportunity for some students to take part in a full programme of outdoor pursuits such as ghyll scrambling and fell walking. These instructor-led activities can be formally accredited through ASDAN and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme or simply enjoyed as confidence and self-esteem building exercises. There are also many opportunities for the students to take part in social and recreational activities both inside the school and outside in the community as appropriate.
Certification
northerncare offers an extensive range of certification opportunities ranging from on-demand tests in literacy and numeracy to ASDAN and GCSE. Through AQA registration all our children benefit from sitting both internal and external examinations in the familiar surroundings of their classroom, which is of particular importance to those young people whose access to the wider community is restricted. Non-classroom based pursuits including the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, St John’s Ambulance First Aid awards and in one home Professional Association of Diving Instructors certificates, allow less academically able students to achieve in their own right.
