Other learning needs?
You may need a bit more help when learning or find school particularly difficult.
Have a read of the options below- they will tell you a bit more about alternative education offers for anyone who may need it.
Special Schools
Special schools exist for learners with special education needs (SEN) and disabilities whose needs cannot be fully met in mainstream schools.
It is the ambition of these schools to ensure that every learner with special educational needs reaches their full potential in school, so young people can successfully go on to adulthood and the world of further education, training or work.
Special schools have to follow the National Curriculum as far as possible, just like mainstream schools. However, special schools have more teachers per pupil than in mainstream schools. This means that whatever the learning difficulty of the learner, his / hers needs are met.
There are three special schools in Herefordshire. These are Barrs Court School, Brookfield School, and Westfield School.
You can get further information from the Improvement and Inclusion department at Herefordshire Council on 01432 260900.
The Royal National College
The Royal National College for the Blind is the UK’s leading provider of teaching, training and supported employment for learners with visual impairment.
The college is based in Herefordshire and is currently a post 16 provider. This means if you are over 16 and have either visual impairment or a learning difficulty, you may be able to apply to study courses at the RNC.
The RNC run a wide range of qualifications and courses- some are academic and some are applied which means you learn practically as well as in the classroom.
Every learner at RNC has their own personalised programme to ensure that all your needs are met, and to make sure you gain knowledge and skills to help you on the way to independence and adulthood.
Learning at RNC gives you the opportunity to:
- improve your mobility, independence and living skills
- prepare for higher education if this is something you wish to go on to do
- receive specialist and expert teaching and support from teachers and staff
- chose from over forty-six different courses
- prepare for the world of work
- enjoy a lively social life
- be supported by your peers who are also blind, partially sighted, or have learning difficulties.
- have access to a personal tutor, personal programme and counselling and careers advice should you want this
- have access to excellent equipment, resources and facilities
To find out more you can visit the RNC website or phone the college on 01432 265725.
Pupil Referral Units
Pupil Referral Units are a type of school run by the local council. They exist for learners who cannot attend school for a variety of different reasons and provide learners with the education they are entitled to.
PRUs cater for a wider range pupils and the main focus is most often on getting the learners back into a mainstream school.
There are three Pupil Referral Units in Herefordshire. These are The Priory, Aconbury, and St. Davids. They provide full-time and part-time education for young people, and timetables are made to fit the individual’s own needs.
As a pupil at a PRU you would receive as much education as possible and this would include English, Maths, Science, Social and Health education, Information Communication Technology and careers guidance.
As well as direct teaching, where it is suitable and possible PRUs also arrange external placements for learners.
As their name suggests, pupils are referred to PRUs either as a result of Permanent Exclusion or for other specific reasons which prevent them from attending mainstream school.
You can get further information from the Improvement and Inclusion department at Herefordshire Council on 01432 260900.