Parent Carer Handbook
We understand that sending your child to college can be a daunting experience, so we have provided you with all the information you need to support your child throughout their time at Ascent.
Ascent Autism Specialist College Handbook
That’s why we have created this handbook to provide you with all the information you need to support your child throughout their time at Ascent.
Where we are
Ascent Autism Specialist College operates out of the North West of England over two sites
Our main campus in Newton-le-Willows is designed to meet the diverse needs of autistic adults offering bespoke facilities and specialist teaching and learning experiential to support our young people with learning and development.
Our secondary site is also located in Newton-le-Willows, The Preloved Project at Lyme & Wood Hub is a sustainability centre offering a community shop and café. This site offers our students a bespoke vocational curriculum, enabling them to gain practical skills and experience in areas such as catering, hospitality, and retail.
Specialist Staff
Our specialist staff work closely with each student to understand their unique needs and create a bespoke package of support to engage with their learning on multiple levels. Our offer of a Blended Learning curriculum ensures we engage and enable students by identifying what motivates them, what they’re interested in, their strengths, and aspirations and then applying this to determine bespoke educational pathways. Our students have high levels of individual support, meaning that learning opportunities are experiential, purposeful, and specific.
What is in the handbook
In this handbook, you’ll find information on our curriculum, campuses, and facilities, as well as details on how we work with parents and carers to provide the best possible support for our students. We also provide advice on how you can support your child’s learning at home and how to stay in touch with the college.
Working in Partnership
We are committed to working in partnership with parents and carers to ensure the best outcomes for our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to working with you to support your child’s learning and development at Ascent Autism Specialist College.
Parents and Professionals
Specialist college welcomes the local community for spring fayre extravaganza
Ascent Autism Specialist College, based in Newton-le-Willows, recently celebrated the beginning of a new season with its annual spring fayre. The spring fayre, which took place on the college grounds, welcomed students, staff, parents/carers and the local community to...
Ascent Autism Specialist College celebrate Neurodiversity Week with a jam-packed schedule of activities
Ascent Autism Specialist College, based in Newton-le-Willows, recently participated in Neurodiversity Celebration Week from Monday, 18 March to Friday, 22 March. The college, which provides specialist education to autistic individuals aged 16 to 25, is committed to...
Finalists in the Liverpool City Region Culture & Creativity Awards
Ascent Autism Specialist College, based in Newton-le-Willows, has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards at the Liverpool City Region (LCR) Culture & Creativity Awards 2024. The shortlist, which was announced earlier today, revealed that the college had been...
Breaking down barriers with employer-focused autism awareness training
Ascent Autism Specialist College, based in Newton-le-Willows, is helping employers break down barriers to work for autistic individuals with employer-focused autism awareness training. On Thursday, 9 November, Ascent College staff and student, Alicia, visited a...
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...