Welcome to the Bluebirds Study
Centre Website
The Bluebirds Study Centre is a purpose built education
suite situated in the Barrow AFC’s
The Centre has been carefully designed to provide an
exciting and stimulating environment that will motivate learners. The large windows provide an excellent view
of the adjacent pitch. The “state of the art” computer facilities
include a 16 unit network with colour printers, an interactive whiteboard, CPS,
data projector and digital cameras.
The Centre provides a supportive environment in which children from local primary and secondary schools work together in teams on a programme of activities and challenges using a football theme. There is full access and facilities for children with physical disabilities.
The programme provides opportunities to raise self esteem and confidence and to enable each child to develop as an independent learner in a supportive atmosphere.
Experienced teachers, classroom assistants and trained voluntary Playing for Success Mentors work together to enable each child to enjoy success.
Anyone who is interested in becoming a Playing for Success
Staffing
The team consists of a Centre Manager, a Playing for Success teacher, two escorts/teaching assistants and an administration officer. Additional support is available from Playing for Success Mentors who play a key role in supporting and encouraging children in their learning at the Centre. All staff and volunteers are C.R.B. checked.
Contact Us
Centre Opening Hours
The Centre Office: - 10.00 am to 8.00pm daily during term time
Sessions are held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and evenings during term time.
Primary school sessions are from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Secondary school sessions are from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Contact Details:
The Bluebirds Study Centre
LA14 5UW
Telephone 01229 825759
Fax 01229 825522
Email manager@bluebirdsstudycentre.co.uk
Playing for
Success 
Playing
for Success is a Department of
Education and Skills initiative that aims to provide children with out of hours
study support. The scheme initially
started with football clubs in the Premier League. It has been highly successful and now
includes many other football clubs and has extended to involve several other
sports.
The
scheme targets children aged between 9 and 14 who would enjoy additional
encouragement and support available by learning in a football environment. Each centre uses the latest in computer
equipment and the football atmosphere to motivate children. The programmes encourage positive attitudes
to learning and provide opportunities for the children to develop further their
skills in literacy, numeracy and ICT. The theme of football is used as a
curriculum resource and activities are tailored to enrich and support the
individual needs in consultation with participating schools.
The
Playing for Success scheme aims to
develop children’s
·
Level
of motivation
·
Self
confidence, personal and interpersonal skills
·
Social
skills
·
Independent
working skills
·
Skills,
knowledge and understanding in Literacy,
Numeracy and
ICT
Playing for Success is funded by a
partnership between the government, the Football Foundation, Cumbria LEA and
Barrow AFC.
Barrow AFC Click to view Barrowfc.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child
is absent from school?
If your child is absent from school or if, for any reason, your child is unable to attend a session please inform the Centre as soon as possible on 01229 825759.
How much will it cost?
There is no charge for any of the sessions. The Playing for Success funding also enables the Centre to provide free refreshments and free transport to and from each child’s school.
Can my child do homework at the Centre?
Children can choose to use some of their time at the Centre to complete homework. They will have access to Centre resources and Centre staff will be available to offer assistance.
Which schools are involved?
All primary and secondary schools in Barrow and the Furness district are welcome to participate in the scheme.
Will my child be able to visit the Centre before joining
the programme?
The children invited to attend the centre will have an introductory visit during normal school hours.
These visits last for approximately one hour. Transport is provided for the children and a member of the school staff accompanies the children on this visit.
How often will my child attend?
Each child attends for one session per week for 10 weeks excluding the half term holiday.
What are the start and finish times?
Primary school sessions start at 3.30pm and finish at 5.30pm.
Secondary school sessions start at 5.30pm and finish at 7.30pm.
What happens in the half term holiday week?
There will be no sessions for children during the half term school holidays.
When will the scheme take place?
The Autumn Term sessions will end with the Presentation Evenings during the week beginning Monday December 5th 2005.
The Spring Term sessions will start with visits during the week beginning Monday 16th January 2006.
The afternoon and evening programme starts on Monday 23rd January and ends with Presentation Evenings in the week beginning Monday 27th March 2006. There will be no sessions during the week beginning Monday 20th February 2006 when the schools have their half term holidays.
Presentation
Evening
The Centre hosts a Playing for Success Presentation Evening at the end of each term to celebrate the efforts and achievements of all the children who have completed the programme. Members of each child’s family are invited to attend. Full details will be sent immediately prior to the Presentation Evening. The Centre can arrange transport if required.
Transport
Transport is provided to and from each session. There is no charge for this service.
Children are collected from and returned to the school in a 17 seater minibus fitted with seat belts.
An escort accompanies the children on journeys to and from the centre to ensure the safety of children whilst on the bus. Transport is arranged through Cumbria L.E.A. and meets all the Health and Safety requirements including C.R.B. checks for drivers and escorts.
As part of these policies the children are expected to follow reasonable instructions from the escort and the driver in order to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Children must remain in their seats with seat belts fastened at all times. For safety reasons any child who fails to comply with such instructions or any child whose behaviour on the bus is unreasonable will find that the transport provision is withdrawn. They will then need to make their own arrangements for getting to and from the Centre. Transport is provided on the acceptance of these conditions.
Returning Home
The escort will accompany children back to their school on the bus.
Parents will be asked to collect their child or nominate a responsible adult to meet the child. Alternatively parents may provide the Centre with written permission for their child to walk home. The escort will stay with the child and can only allow the nominated person to collect the child. The L.E.A. and the Bluebirds Study Centre cannot accept responsibility for a child’s welfare prior to being picked up or after being dropped of at the school.
Some secondary school children choose to make their own way to and from the Centre. Again written parental permission is needed and responsibility for a child’s welfare, if this is the chosen option, remains with the parents.
If arrangements regarding transport and collection of a child need to change please inform the centre on 01229 825759