Why an In-house provision?
Young people who experience learning difficulties often find themselves isolated and embarrassed should the teaching methods not be suitable or adaptable to meet their level of understanding. At Companions we recognise this could be part of their problem which has resulted in behavioural difficulties. Our staff team are sensitive to this and young people with mild/moderate learning difficulties have thrived during their stay at Hunters Moon.

Companions can also facilitate young people who are capable of achieving GCSE’s with one young person gaining grades in English and Maths.

To successfully meet the needs of each of the young people placed in our care it is our intention to deliver an appropriate educational curriculum. Cross-curricular activities will take place to ensure emotional, social, behavioural and academic needs are being met.

Education will be provided in line with OfSTED requirements and will cover areas of the National Curriculum/Core Curriculum, alternative educational directives such as the ASDAN awards in addition life skills, independent living, healthy lifestyles and off-site activities.

Qualified Teacher:
We are very proud to announce that Mr Christopher Thompson BA, PGCE is employed by Companions to oversee all the education provision.

Chris qualified at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2006. Since qualifying he has taught in various schools and colleges within the local area. Chris's main area of expertise is within art, in particular the use of recycled materials. He has been involved in many projects locally and nationally which has led him to experience media coverage on Midlands Today, The Independent and the book by Will Anderson 'The Diary of an Eco-Builder'. He has participated in exhibitions in Stoke on Trent, London, Shropshire, Stafford & Bilston. In the future Chris will be working on community and gallery projects as well as continuing to undertake private commissions. Chris is patient and understanding towards the needs of the young people and works closely with them to initiate a program of learning which is best suited. Many young people have been misunderstood by their teachers and have a fixed idea of what education consists of, however Chris manages to break through these barriers which is the first step to reintegration into education. Chris is also responsible for the monitoring and reviewing of the IEP.

National Curriculum/ASDAN Education
Initial assessments will indicate the most appropriate educational program the young person will embark on. This may be following the national curriculum or ASDAN.

All staff members are responsible for researching and implementing projects which are of interest to them and which utilise their specific skills. This in turn is relayed to the young people either during education or in an informal manner. :-

• World environmental issues
• Global warming
• Greenhouse gasses
• Animals on the brink of extinction
• Oxfam, Red Cross, etc

These are just a few of the topics which ‘Companions’ closely monitors. ‘Companions’ encourage its young people to engage in local and National charity events of their choice.

Information Technology
The young people will be actively encouraged to advance their IT skills. Each young person will have an individually tailored programme to meet their ability. IT will be an integrated element in all facets of their education plan.

In House Trade Sampling
In addition to the statutory education provision there will also be the opportunity for the young people to engage in “Trade Tasters” for example helping to renovate classic cars, learning about the ceramics industry, painting and decorating etc.

External Supervised Activities
Young people living at Hunters Moon will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of off-site activities as part of the daily program of work.

Preparation for Independence
An integral part of Companions structure will be an intensive program working towards independent living. The program will focus on topics such as health & hygiene, community awareness, the benefit system, budgeting, shopping, menu planning & basic DIY.

Meals and mealtimes
Companions will provide a comprehensive programme towards ‘healthy eating’ including the food chain, the effects of ‘E’ numbers and additives. Our young people are encouraged to become involved in growing, nurturing and utilising the vegetables and fruit available from the homes’ garden. Organic and local produce is purchased in preference to non-organic and supermarket products. As an exercise our teenagers moniter changes in mood, appearance and energy levels which can be attributed to healthy eating.
Mealtimes should be a social event and everybody within the home will be encouraged to sit at the table. Many a good tale is told during this time.

The young people will be involved in menu planning, purchasing and preparing of meals.

Food from around the world
To ensure young people are aware of a variety of foods, Companions provide themed days. Staff and young people participate in celebrating multicultural festivals and traditions which include sampling foods from around the world.

The Leaving Care Act 2000
'Companions' will where possible faciltate Transitional Outreach work
Transitional Outreach Work
Companions recognise when a young person leaves Hunters Moon to live independent they may feel vulnerable and lonely. We aim to ensure this transition is planned and resources are in place to give the young person confidence and skills to maximise their chances of succeeding in the community. Teaching the young people independent skills begins from day one of admission. For young people who will be aiming to live in the local area, our staff along with the young person and placing authority prepare a Transitional Outreach Package. This will ensure the young person continues contact and support from our team. It also allows the young person the opportunity to continue to receive education and therapies at Hunters Moon should this be required.
(Package fees vary dependent upon young person’s requirements)

Companions can offer a package to facilitate direct outreach work to young people who can not reside at Hunters Moon.
The package may include:
• Provision of suitable accommodation within easy reach of Hunters Moon.
• Daily staff supervision
• Therapies including counselling
• Opportunity to access the ASDAN program
• Independent living skills
• Inclusion in group activitiess
• Gradual program of disengagement

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