Work Related Learning

Centre of Occupational Learning

COOL UK provides an informal yet inclusive Education / Work Based Learning Programme for disaffected and underachieving Key Stage 4 pupils. We offer a varied Vocational Curriculum for 14 - 19s from all backgrounds:

• Pupil Referral Units
  
• High Schools
  
• Special Schools
  
• Awaiting Special School placement
  
• Looked After Children

We offer support to all local educational establishments, taking the strain of difficult to place pupils at one of our local centres. We engage with those pupils who are experiencing the greatest difficulties at school. It is apparent that there is a tremendous need for a 'knot on the end of the rope' in terms of education due to the amount of pupils disengaging from the formal provision of education. By using teaching staff, youth workers, learning mentors (via The Prince's Trust) and quality work experience providers we are able to deliver an effective group of programmes.

We provide for the educational needs of those excluded or in danger of exclusion in a way that stimulates their development and prepares them for the transition into adulthood and the workplace.

Curriculum

As well as offering Basic Skills and Numeracy & Literacy to GCSE level, COOL UK is an approved centre for OCNW / ASDAN / OCR / AQA and Welsh Board accreditation.

COOL UK also offers the following vocational training:

• Agriculture & Farming
  
• Building Construction
  
• Business & Administration
  
• Customer Service
  
• Hair & Beauty
  
• ICT
  
• Landscape Gardening
  
• Motor Vehicle Maintenance
  
• Sports & Leisure

Courses are tailor-made to suit the individual student.

We also provide the School and parents with progress reports on a regular basis.

Admissions Policy

The Local Authority and any Private Sector Establishment can refer to COOL UK.

Referrals are made through the Area Special Needs Officer, Educational Welfare Service or the Head teacher of any mainstream school / Pupil Referral Unit or independent establishment . The final decision on referrals and placements rests with the Centre Manger.

Students may be admitted to COOL UK at any point during the school year. Students will usually be dually registered, which means that the mainstream / Pupil Referral Unit / other establishment and the centre will work together in providing appropriate individual education programmes. COOL UK will provide full time / part time education for students who are:

• On the verge of exclusion
  
• Permanently excluded
  
• Fixed Period exclusions
  
• Awaiting placement
  
• New to area
  
• Experiencing difficulties in their everyday educational setting

Admission takes place after consultation between the COOL UK Centre Manager, Referrer, Parent / Carer and Student.

All admissions are to be funded for a minimum period of one full term.

Management Committee

As with any educational establishment COOL UK has a Management Committee that brings a vast array of skills personally and professionally to their role. All Committee members are highly qualified individuals who have a wealth of practical hands on experience with our client group.

As volunteers they give their time freely whilst also accepting the responsibility of the commitment they make to the organisation and each COOL UK Centre. See our website (www.cooluk.co.uk) for a full list and background of the Management Committee Members.