All of our provision is delivered from our access for all training centres based in Appley Bridge, Wigan which is set within a former Christmas tree plantation. The site comprises a disabled-accessible fishery and two log cabin-style education centres consisting of four classroom areas. The first centre offers a practical learning zone that can be configured to support learners’ needs and the practical indoor activities taking place. The second classroom area is a more formal ICT suite, designed to support work skills, functional skills and portfolio development. The second centre constructed in November 2017 has been developed to support the soft skills and personal development aspects of the programme. It consists of two classroom areas. The first is a general learning environment for portfolio development and also group discussions/external services to deliver support and IAG to our learners. This classroom area also has an ICT suite with state-of-the-art Apple technology. The second classroom area has been created as a functioning independent living area. It provides a small kitchen area and washing/ironing facilities so sessions can be developed around independent living skills and self-management skills including washing clothes and preparing meals.
All pupils who attend Fir Tree Collage will have an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) developed following an initial assessment which will be linked to termly reviews. New goals and SMART targets will be identified and set between the Tutor and pupil. All pupil progression will be recorded within their ILP and experiences of learner’s skills development will also be recorded alongside their accredited work in the form of a diary/journal for them to take away with them at the end of the course.
Fir Tree Collage has been established for over 6 years and in this time has created a range of different courses and provisions to meet the needs of local schools and their pupils. We currently work with over 10 schools and last year supported close to 100 learners to reach their full potential through our alternative approach to education.
All our programmes are flexible and cover a variety of different accredited outcomes ranging from Outdoor Work Preparation, Land & Environment to Independent Living Skills and Preparation for Adulthood.
Fir Tree Collage currently operates a 17 seater mini-busses which transports or SEND students to and from the centre. This service can also offer transport for schools who require a pickup and drop off service to attend, please note this is an extra cost to the school.
Fir Tree Collage governing body was newly formed in September 2019. Our governing body consists of 10 members including staff and parent governors.
The 3 core functions of the governing board are
The governing board exists to provide strategic leadership to Fir Tree Collage, ensuring accountability for its educational and financial performance.
The 3 core functions of the board:
Fir Tree CIC Governing Body
Mr D Fletcher- Fir Tree Collage Director (Chair)
Mr M Taylor- Fir Tree Collage Director
Mr D Morris- Co-opted Governor
Mrs L Fitzpatrick- Parent Governor
Mrs C Todd- Local Authority Governor
Mr M Stockwell-Co-opted Governor
Mrs C Derbyshire- Co-opted Governor
Mr D Bowman- Fir Tree Collage Centre Manager
Mrs S Fletcher- Fir Tree Collage DSL
Mrs C Taylor- Clerk
