Hugh Baird College, one of only 17 further education colleges in the country to hold an Outstanding Ofsted rating, today announced the launch of its new Transitions Hub, a specialist campus designed to support young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) across the Liverpool City Region.
Located on Merton Road in Bootle, the Transitions Hub offers a supportive bridge for learners aged 16-25 who are working at Entry Level 2 and above, helping them prepare for adulthood, further education, or employment.
The purpose-designed facility features:
- Small class sizes and high staff-to-student ratios
- Specialist tutors and support staff with SEND expertise
- Modern classrooms and a kitchen/home area for developing life skills
- Wellbeing and de-escalation garden space
- Onsite care lead and personal care facilities
The curriculum focuses on preparation for adulthood, independence, and crucial life skills, with learners studying Maths and English qualifications appropriate to their assessed level. The 1-2 year programme is tailored to individual needs, with regular guidance from College Careers Advisors to support progression.
Sarah Collins, Director of Foundation Studies at Hugh Baird College, said:
“At Hugh Baird College, we understand that no two learners are the same, and that planning for progression on an individual basis is crucial to the happiness and achievement of young people. The Transitions Hub provides a nurturing environment with high levels of care for learners, whilst delivering an ambitious and exciting curriculum appropriate to the young person’s academic level.”
“The creation of the Transitions Hub demonstrates a key strategic priority of Hugh Baird College coming to life – a provision serving as a beacon for our community supporting every young person to reach their full potential.”
Jenny Quinn, Head of Learner Support at Hugh Baird College, added:
“We recognised the need for a specialised environment that bridges the gap between specialist schools and mainstream further education. The Transitions Hub provides that crucial stepping stone, offering personalised support while building the independence and confidence young people need to progress. ”
Hugh Baird College’s provision for learners with high needs was highlighted in their Outstanding Ofsted rating, with inspectors noting that “Students with high needs thrive and do exceptionally well through caring, diligent and exceptional planning” and “Students with high needs and those who are care-experienced achieve exceptionally well.”
The Transitions Hub welcomes young people from Sefton, Liverpool, Wirral, Halton, St Helens, and Knowsley who would benefit from a smaller, more supported environment, particularly those with social, emotional and mental health needs that currently present barriers to accessing general further education.
Prospective students, parents, and carers are invited to visit the Transitions Hub during Hugh Baird College’s upcoming Transitions Hub Open Evening on Thursday 6 May, from 5pm – 7pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the facilities, meet the specialist staff, and learn more about the personalised learning pathways available. Visit www.hughbaird.ac.uk/events to find out more.