Training and Skills Academy

About

Training and Skills Academy is  sports provision that schools can enrol students on to either half-termly, termly or full academic year basis. 

They also also take referrals for short term support should a student need some time to pause, reflect and have a fresh start in school. This may be for a day where a suspension at home isn't appropriate or the referral itself is put in place to avoid a suspension.

​All lessons can be differentiated for students.

Suitable ages ranges 

Training and Skills Academy can accept children aged 11 to 16 years old. 

Qualifications available

Children can gain the following qualifications and learn the following subjects:

• Literacy and Numeracy: they place great emphasis on literacy and numeracy to support students in GCSE English and Maths in school. All students will study an aspect of literacy and numeracy each day. To combine both literacy and numeracy skills they teach Business Enterprise as a vehicle for securing improvement in literacy (particularly oracy and writing), numeracy, thinking skills, developing aspects of personal and social education.
• Personal Development: students will acquire knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives now and in the future.

• Careers, Information, Advice and Guidance:  they help students to find the right post 16 destinations, ones that they can access and sustain and that they will enjoy.

• Level 1 Award in Employability and Personal Development. This qualification aims to develop key personal skills, qualities and attitudes required by employers and to help learners progress into employment or in education.

• Level 1 Award in Fitness and Physical Activity. This qualification provides students with an introduction both on a personal level and as an introduction to employment opportunities within the fitness industry.

About the teaching

All training is carried out in Chester-Le-Street. 

Students can attend from locations including Durham. 

Teaching is delivered typically with a ratio of 1 teacher to 5 students with a maximum of 10 children that can attend each session. 

The provision is open from 9.15am to 2.30pm. Students can attend upto 3 sessions per week, placements can be for one week, half termly, termly or yearly. 

Transport is not provided. 

Pricing 

Cost for sessions are as follows:

• £80 per day (KS3)
• £90 per day (KS4) 

They provide both breakfast and lunch. 

How to apply for a place for a student

School to contact Gary Thompson at trainingandskillsacademy@gmail.com and then have a telephone conversation between key staff at the provision and school.

A visit is then arranged for the young person with parents/carers (and or key staff at school). If the young person feels that the provision can support them in their education, a referral form will be sent for the school to fill out and send back.

The provision will aim to have the process complete within 5 days (dependant on paperwork and meetings/visits completed)

Contact with schools 

Once a student has began their training, admin will send schools either weekly, half and full-term progress reports. 

Other relevant information 

Ofsted registered 

N/A 

Insurance 

Training and Skills Academy have current public liability cover and insurance certificates are displayed. 

They also have current employee liability cover. 

Safeguarding 

Training and Skills Academy have a compliant safeguarding policy in place which is reviewed yearly. 

Pre-employment checks are carried out in line with guidance. 

The provision has a designated safeguarding lead and there is regular training for all staff at the provision. 

Health and safety 

Training and Skills Academy have a health and safety policy in place.

They have full risk assessment for the premises and carry out regular fire drills which are recorded. 

They have all required first aid equipment in place in line with RIDDOR procedures (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013). 

Data protection

Training and Skills Academy have a data retention policy in place which is reviewed regularly. Staff also receive regular training. 

They have a privacy notice in place that explains how they collect, use and protect people's personal data. 

Compliments and complaints 

There is a compliments and complaints policy and procedure in place.