Animal Care Centre
Animal Care at Ascent College
Here at Ascent we have our own mini zoo. We have built up our collection of animals over the last year. It has been an exciting process for the students as they have helped research the animals and how to care for them. The students have even helped in building and safe proofing the enclosures. Our students learn how to safely handle and care for our animals, whilst gaining the therapeutic benefits from handling, brushing them and checking them over on a daily basis.
We have seen first-hand the therapeutic benefits for the students as the animals help them to self-regulate and allow them to have an additional calming space to use during the day. The students also learn from being able to complete personal care for the animals as they are able to develop a range of skills, understand the responsibility of caring for others and work as a team while they learn what is involved in caring for each animal.
Meet our team of animals
Rabbits
We have two rabbits living onsite. Oreo, who is black and white and Origi, who is tan and white. The rabbits are 3 years old and love to be around the students. They are both very playful, and their favourite game is with the ball. They enjoy the students rolling the ball to them to catch. Oreo and Origi adore being brushed by the students. They eat special rabbit food, treats but their favourite food is a handful of leafy greens.
Guinea Pigs
We have two Guinea Pigs in our zoo. Cookie who is tan and Biscuit who is black and white. Like our rabbits the guinea pigs are also 3 years old. Their favourite foods are leafy greens and they enjoy the student’s hand feeding them these. Our guinea pigs are still quite shy but are getting used to being around the students and will come running up to you if you have a treat for them.
Chickens
We have two chickens living in the enclosure and they really rule the roost! Sweet has brown feathers and Sour has black feathers so they are easy to tell apart. They will follow you around looking for food and love to chase the other animals around. We are very lucky as the chickens have been laying eggs on a regular basis.
Horsfield Tortoises
We have two tortoises living in our College called Rock and Pebble. Horsefield tortoises are an energetic and interactive breed. Our two enjoy a bath every day in their terrarium and hiding in the logs. Their favourite activity is having cuddles from the staff and students.
Facilities
Ascent Autism Specialist College teaching assistant receives national award
Sam Lowe, a teaching assistant at Ascent Autism Specialist College, has received a national award from Teaching Personnel. The SEN Teaching Assistant of the Year Award recognises and celebrates the hard work and dedication of teaching assistants in Special Educational...
Ascent Autism Specialist College shortlisted for three prestigious Educate Awards
Ascent Autism Specialist College, part of the Remarkable Autism Charity, has been shortlisted for three awards in the highly anticipated Educate Awards 2023 shortlist. . The Educate Awards is the largest education awards in the North West and celebrates the...
Community enterprise project awarded community funding from MRWA for the second year
The Pre-Loved Project, part of Ascent Autism Specialist College, has been awarded community funding for the second year running. The MRWA (Merseyside Waste and Recycling Authority) Community Fund aims to support eco-friendly and sustainable projects. For 2022/23 the...
Student named DoE ‘Voice of Neurodiversity’ Youth Ambassador
Student named Duke of Edinburgh’s Youth Ambassador Ascent Autism Specialist College student, Courtney, has been chosen as the voice of neurodiversity for the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Youth Ambassador programme. The DofE UK Youth Ambassador programme involves a...
Remarkable Autism awarded the National Autistic Society’s Beacon Status
Wargrave House School and Ascent Autism Specialist College, part of the Remarkable Autism Charity, have been awarded the National Autistic Society’s highest award accreditation, Beacon Status. The award, given to provisions that have already achieved an advanced award...
Ascent Autism Specialist College student gets a visit from a celebrated author
Fantasy author Wes. M Henshaw recently visited the Preloved Project in Newton-le-Willows to discuss his new book with students from Ascent Autism Specialist College. The distinguished author met with Ascent Autism Specialist College student; Courtney, a...
How Ruby Has Improved Her Employability Skills
Ruby is currently in her third year at college. Ruby is on a pathway to develop her ability to live independently, her community access and her employability skills. Ruby has worked hard to learn new skills through her time with us in various work placements. Her...
Learn Why a Professional Music Producer Invited Our Student to London
Learn Why a Professional Music Producer Invited Our Student to London Like many of his peers, Yanick is an extremely active young person who has progressed with his communication, employability skills, social interaction and preparation for adulthood/life skills....
Building My Future
Ben has worked at Earlestown Cricket Club for two years as part of his employability qualification. In this time Ben has made huge progress in his social skills by working alongside a number of different members of the club. Ben has learned a number of new skills at...
Inspirational LEAP Specialist College student receives Rotary Young Citizen Peacemaker Award 2023
LEAP Specialist College student Yanick has been awarded the Rotary Young Citizen Peacemaker Award after making an exceptional impact on his peers and the local community. Yanick, nominated by LEAP Specialist College, will receive his Young Citizen Peacemaker Award at...