Wizard Education Ltd is a Social Enterprise which operates as a 'Not for Profit' organisation that provides a safe, supportive and nurturing learning environment for vulnerable or disadvantaged young people and adults in the form of an Independent School (Wizard Education) and a Community Training and Learning centre (Wizard).
Currently, we work closely with Swindon Borough Council's Children Services, local schools, the Home Tuition Service, EOTAS (Education other than at school) and other agencies providing a series of engagement courses and activities for 14-16yr olds. Almost all of the students referred to us have statements of special needs which often include learning difficulties.
The programmes we provide are a combination of practical, engagement activities or projects with a strong focus on building work related skills with a view to re-engaging students sufficiently to help them to either reintegrate into mainstream education, resume their home education programme or establish a personalised training programme that will both enhance their personal wellbeing and help them realise their full academic potential.
Our training is primarily practical and encourages the practical application of essential life skills, a greater awareness of Health and Safety in the work environment whilst focussing on developing team building, interpersonal relationships and communication skills. The children are encouraged to take ownership of the projects they work on, are involved in problem solving and decision making both individually and as a group. We also have strong and active links with the local community and encourage interaction with local businesses or craftsmen arranging short 'work taster' and work experience opportunities.
With an emphasis on providing a safe and socially supportive setting which will allows the individual to access education and specialist support services, we aim to encourage students to raise and develop their aspirations and prepare for work or further education as appropriate. Through personalised programmes, individual learning plans, mentoring and 1:1 support, combined with a series of practical activities, we will provide a positive learning environment that our students would not otherwise have been able to access through the mainstream system. We also offer opportunities for the children to experience group working to develop essential team working and social skills whilst embedding basic Maths, English and IT within a series of practical projects and small enterprises to help develop students' understanding and make learning more relevant and enjoyable.