Unity College is a mixed 11-16 comprehensive school in Burnley, England.
Facilities
The college building offers a pleasant and spacious learning environment including specialist vocational learning spaces combined with designated teaching rooms.
Features
Things to note
Class sizes are small and are structured to facilitate the implementation of individual learning plans. The plans ensure each pupil works through a differentiated programme of study appropriate to their ability and Key Stage, with an emphasis on individual targets and progression. They operate a stage not age approach to learning. The young people are encouraged to work in a variety of settings; individually, co-operatively in pairs and in small groups. The pupils are given the opportunity to go into the community for community-based projects and activities as they believe the development of both social skills and independence are vital. Throughout their time at the school pupils are given the opportunity to work towards academic qualifications and all have the opportunity to achieve a range of nationally recognised accreditations in English, Maths and Science. They also offer a range of qualifications in Art, Food Technology, Hair and Beauty PE and Business Studies. They use the Duke of Edinburgh programme at Unity College giving all pupils the opportunity to achieve an accreditation in this nationally recognised scheme. In order to meet the diverse needs of the young people at Unity College we ensure that the staff to pupil ratio is high, with typically a class comprising of no more than 4 pupils. Each class is staffed by at least one teacher and an educational support worker (ESW). Pupils have a designated classroom with their own individualised areas within it. The core subjects are delivered in their classroom during the morning sessions. During morning break pupils are offered a healthy snack and refreshments, promoting healthy eating.
Pupils will be in care of the local authority and living in one of the Cross Regional Project’s residential care homes. They are likely to be unable to maintain a place in a mainstream school or possibly their current specialist alternative provision. Any new referral for the Cross Regional Project is reviewed by the Head Teacher to ascertain if the school can meet the needs of the student (if they need a place). Information is gathered from the virtual school and previous schools where this is available. In particular the school requires: the care plan, risk assessment, EHCP (where relevant) and school reports. This enables the school to plan for behaviour, safety and learning in advance. Any other useful information from professionals, including psychological reports, is also helpful. Once the student moves into the home (or if they need to transfer to Unity College later in their placement) the Head will conduct a home visit to start the admission and transition process formally
Fees
This is a long term block contract with the local authorities: Buckinghamshire, Herfordshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes. Education is included as part of the contract fees for a placement in the Cross Regional Project.
1.75 miles
