Blue Sky Learning, an alternative education provision in Calne which supports children who face barriers to mainstream education, is celebrating three Small Business Awards nominations alongside recognition for its approach to creating an inclusive learning environment.
The provision has been nominated for the Business Hero Award and Innovative Business Award, while its founder and headteacher, Kirsty Burridge, has been nominated for Business Owner of the Year.
Blue Sky Learning has also received the Thrive Ambassador School with Excellence in Environment award, recognising the supportive learning environment it has created for its pupils. The provision offers a personalised approach to education for children who find mainstream schooling challenging, combining curriculum learning with practical activities and support for their social and emotional development.
Pupils take part in a wide range of activities, including hands-on lessons, Forest School, cooking and creative projects, giving them opportunities to explore their interests, work alongside others and develop confidence at their own pace.
Staff adapt activities and learning opportunities to suit each child’s individual needs, helping pupils to engage with education in a way that works for them.
The Thrive recognition particularly celebrates the learning spaces at Blue Sky Learning, where children’s views help shape their surroundings. Access to nature, calming areas and visual support provide pupils with different ways to feel settled, comfortable and ready to learn.
Kirsty said, “We have an inclusive philosophy and believe passionately in giving every learner the opportunity to succeed.”
The team hopes the awards and nominations will help raise awareness among local families and education professionals of the opportunities alternative provision can offer children who need a different approach to learning.
For more information, visit www.bsleducation.co.uk or call 01249 811736.
