With each of our students having a personalised programme of learning, we are able to balance academic education alongside the need to develop important skills for independence so that the learning becomes lifelong.

As a residential setting, we offer a Waking Day Curriculum meaning that learning extends beyond the school day and into the houses. Each weekday after school, our team of care staff are able to support homework, practising musical instruments, cooking and doing independent reading or studying.
We also encourage this learning when students are at home during holidays and half terms, and it is a great opportunity for students to show off their new-found skills to their families!

Even our activities programme is designed to develop resilience, raise self-confidence and improve mental and physical wellbeing – all crucial skills and attributes for taking on the world when it is time to move on from NCW.

A brilliant example of the Waking Day Curriculum is students practising what they are learning in Independent Living Skills (ILS) outside of the classroom. Within ILS, students will learn skills such as understanding nutrition, preparing meals, doing laundry and making beds, amongst many others.

Over the festive period in 2021, we have received some brilliant photos below of students getting stuck in at home and practising these all important skills, whilst having fun. There has been a lot of Christmas wrapping! These really are skills for life, and will help students become as independent as possible ready for when they leave NCW and go on to further education or employment.

Well done everyone!