About Us
About Us Thank you for your interest in Birtenshaw Based in Bromley Cross, Bolton, Birtenshaw was established in the 1950s by a group of parents as a special school for young children with cerebral palsy. Today Birtenshaw provides a unique range of services for children and adults with a learning disability including Autism Spectrum Conditions and/or significant physical disability, including complex health needs.
Our Vision Our services are based on ‘ordinary life principles’, and seek to improve the quality of life of all the people we support so that they may become confident and independent members of the community, fulfilling their individual potential. Our Mission To respond to the changing needs of our current and future service users and stakeholders by developing innovative and sustainable strategies, based on respect and empowerment, which maximise opportunities for every individual to live fulfilling lives. We will harness our dedication to continuous improvement to expand our user groups, our services and to become judged in all areas of service provision as outstanding.
Services - Special School - College - Children’s Homes - Children & Adults Short Breaks Centre - Domiciliary Care & Adult Services -Therapeutic Health & Wellbeing Services For further information or to view our services please see final page for contact details.
Learning and Development Centre
Education Birtenshaw offers a personalised educational approach, dedicated staff and bespoke facilities. Our school building has been designed to be autism friendly and our range of services have full Autism Accreditation from the National Autistic Society. The new further education college provides education and training for young adults. Students have a variety of facilities they can access including an inclusive gym and small holding. We are also developing an interactive library and work-experience café.
The school offers education for children aged 3-19 , the college provides education and training to young adults between the ages of 16 and 25. Our provision is aimed at children and young people who have moderate to severe 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
Enrichment The curriculum is enriched by educational trips and visits, local community links and opportunities within the timetable to engage with new experiences e.g. pony riding, music workshops, gardening and educational visits.
Children’s Short Breaks
Short Breaks are arranged to support families and to meet the needs of children and young people aged 0 to 18. The breaks can range from a few hours, overnight, week end or week long stays. Accommodation is provided in a purpose built four bed short stay centre which has access to the hydrotherapy pool, multi sensory facilities, sensory suite and an activity programme. The young people have fun spending time in a new environment with the opportunity to socialise with other young people.
Adult Services
Care
-Supported Tenancies
Birtenshaw provides care placements in specialist children’s homes located in the local community up to 365 days. Care is based on ‘ordinary life principles’ and small numbers of children and young people live together supported by a dedicated care team. Each child has their own bedroom which they are assisted to personalise. Communal areas are homely and reflect the interests of the children. Children attend Birtenshaw School or other schools in the local area. Staff actively encourage children and young people to try new experiences and participate in sport, hobbies and interests in the evening and at weekends. Our care staff, who are trained in all aspects of care, have a thorough understanding of and expertise in meeting the needs of young people with a disability.
The young adults living in our supported tenancies work with consistent and caring staff teams who support them to achieve their goals for the development of independent living skills.
- Domiciliary Care Service Provides personal care and support for you adults aged 16-25. It offers a flexible wrap around service 24/7, over 356 days. It is designed to support young adults living semiindependently at home with families but requiring additional support. - Short Breaks Currently we are developing an Adults Short Breaks service in Bolton. Those who require our service can choose from a variety of packages and length of stay. Adults between the ages of 18-25 will have access to multi-sensory facilities, accessible gym, hydrotherapy pool, sensory suite and an activity programme.
Accommodation A number of our homes are specifically adapted to meet the needs of children and young people with physical disability, including significant medical needs. Other homes are skilfully adapted to provide a safe environment for children and young people with an autistic spectrum condition whilst maintaining a warm homely atmosphere. We assess which home children will live in based on their individual needs.
Therapeutic Support Young people in our services have access to a multi disciplinary team of professionals including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and specialist health staff. Every child has an individual programme of therapeutic support including a communication plan, sensory diet and a behaviour plan. There is also access to a range of facilities which include a soft play room, multi-sensory room & hydrotherapy pool which are suitable to meet the needs of children and young people with physical or sensory needs.
Staffing Our classes are taught by qualified and experienced teachers who are specialists in Special Education. Each class group is supported by a team of Learning Support Assistants. A full list of staff and their qualifications is available on request.
Essential Information Birtenshaw School Darwen Road Bromley Cross Bolton BL7 9AB
Safeguarding
Keeping every child safe is our top priority. All of our staff have an enhanced DBS (previously CRB) clearance and participate in extensive safeguarding training.
Phone: 01204 304 230 Email: enquiries@birtenshaw.org.uk Fax: 01204 602328 Website: www.birtenshaw.org.uk Birtenshaw is a registered charity (1092798).