Parents and Learners
Admissions
Thank you for your interest in Red Balloon of the Air; we hope that we can support you/your young person.
Who can we help?
Our specialist setting supports young people who:
- are aged 11(Y7)1 – 20 (last admission at 18);
- are unable to access mainstream education;
- have a reading age of 10+ and can access a KS3/KS4 curriculum independently online;
- have reliable internet connection in their home, and their home is a safe learning environment;
- will have a responsible adult in the home with them whilst online with us (this is dependent on age and circumstances);
- can travel to RBAir’s Centre in Milton, Cambridge, or RBET’s Learning Hub in Danbury, Essex, for social re-engagement and enrichment sessions, and other opportunities;
- would like to engage with RBAir to make academic and social progress.
1Unfortunately, we cannot consider referrals for young people in Y6.
We are currently supporting learners from these Local Authorities: Cambridgeshire, Essex (four quadrants), Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Peterborough and Suffolk.
Our Offer
RBAir offers a hybrid of online and face-to-face support to learners. Our holistic provision focuses on the core areas of education, therapy, social re-engagement and enrichment activities.
Academic elements are predominantly delivered online; however, some specific in-person teaching is available to support directed SEN interventions. Each learner is supplied with an RBAir laptop to access sessions from home (Step4Ward modules are usually delivered in person). Dedicated face-to-face support is offered through mentoring, social re-engagement and Social Communication sessions with peers. Therapy with qualified therapists can be delivered both online and in person.
RBAir may not be suitable for young people who demonstrate persistent, or extreme, physically aggressive behaviour. However, we will take into account the circumstances where this has occurred in the past.
Levels of study at RBAir
Our highest tier of qualification is GCSE and our learners in Y11 and above can sit a maximum of three subjects per academic year. We also offer Functional Skills, ASDAN long and short courses, and AQA Unit Awards. Please visit our Curriculum Page for more information.
How long are placements at RBAir?
Placements with RBAir are usually for a minimum of two academic terms, but the majority run between 1-3 academic years. A placement with us will include an opportunity to access all areas of provision, and we do not offer individual elements (e.g. online learning only).
Our offer is tailored to the requirements of the young person. We carefully consider how to adapt the physical and/or online learning environment to be accessible for all learners, regardless of any disabilities or impairments.
The Process
During the Initial Assessment, our Admissions Officers hope to meet the young person to discuss their engagement with an RBAir programme and give them the opportunity to discuss any adaptations they may need, their preferred pronouns, subject choices, and ask us questions. The information gained helps us plan a gradual, supportive timetable.
Subject to a satisfactory Initial Assessment, we will make an offer to the Local Authority. If we decide we cannot meet the needs of the young person, we will explain this with parent(s)/carer(s) and caseworkers. If parent(s)/carer(s) consider that our decision has been unfair, they are advised to contact the Admissions Officer in the first instance. However, details on our Complaints Policy, as well as our Admissions Policy can be found here.
If you have any questions or need further information, please complete the Enquiry Form below and one of the team will contact you within 5 working days.