The Integrated Resource (IR) at The Birley Academy was established to increase the range of educational provision for children with Communication and Interaction as a primary need. Its work enables students to access a mainstream curriculum with their mainstream peers by providing targeted intervention and some in-class support.

Our students follow a broad and balanced curriculum and access GCSEs and BTEC qualification in Y11 within a mainstream classroom environment. Our aim is for students to develop increasing confidence and independence as they progress through school to prepare them to access further education and training beyond school, ultimately enabling them to transition to life and work as part of their home community.

Integrated Resource students have been formally assessed and have an Educational Health Care Plan that relates to Communication & Interaction as their primary need. Students spend at least 80% of their timetable within mainstream classes alongside their mainstream peers. Students will receive interventions in line with provisions within their Educational Health Care Plan within the Integrated Resource for up to 20% of their timetable.

IR students are provided with a key worker who will work closely with the student, their family and the wider school staff to enable positive learning experiences and effective communication. The IR provides students with a quieter space during break and lunchtimes where positive relationships and communication can be established with both their peers and adults within school.