British Creative Institute
6 Dyas Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, B44 8SF
To:
Local Authourities SENAR
SENAR Transfers
Subject: Clarification and Assurance Regarding British Creative Institute’s Operations and Readiness to Support SEND Students
Date: 24 December 2024
Dear SENAR Team,
Following recent communications, we write to clarify the position of the British Creative Institute (BCI) and to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to serving the needs of SEND learners throughout the Midlands area. We are grateful for the guidance provided by the Department for Education (DfE), which has confirmed that BCI, as a post-16 institution, operates legally without requiring further registration as an independent college.
We also take this opportunity to formally inform you BCI has continuously operated within the boundaries of legal compliance and remains fully committed to providing high-quality education for SEND learners.
Legal Compliance
Email to BCI dated 24 December 2024 provides clear guidance:
- Institutions providing education exclusively for post-16 students do not require registration as independent schools.
- BCI’s operations strictly adhere to these guidelines, as our provision is solely for students over the compulsory school age.
Further, the DfE’s policy statement on prosecuting unregistered independent schools supports this position. BCI is not required to register, as we are a specialist SEND post-16 college.
Operational Status and Capacity
Following recent challenges, BCI has fully restored its operations, including teaching services and online platforms. Our website is live and accessible, reflecting our broad curriculum offerings and commitment to transparency. We are ready to enrol up to 50 students immediately, showcasing our capacity to address the region’s urgent need for quality SEND provisions.
Our educational services will formally reopen on 6 January 2025 without interruption, and we invite the local authority to inspect our premises at any time to confirm our readiness.
Accreditations and Partnerships
BCI holds accreditations from respected awarding bodies, including Ascentis and Highfield Qualifications. Recent audit inspections from Ascentis highlighted our compliance and excellence in delivering accredited courses tailored for SEND learners. Additionally, our partnership with LinkedIn Learning has enabled us to provide students access to a dedicated platform offering industry-standard training that is uniquely designed for BCI.
These accreditations and resources demonstrate our commitment to maintaining the highest educational and employability skills development standards.
Commitment to SEND Learners
BCI’s mission centres on empowering SEND students through:
Creative Curriculum
Our curriculum spans courses in:
- Photography: Enabling students to express themselves through visual storytelling.
- TV Production: Building skills in media production and editing.
- Web Development: Introducing students to the fundamentals of coding and design.
- Digital Marketing: Providing practical insights into online branding and strategy.
- Game Development: Cultivating creativity and technical expertise.
- Journalism: Enhancing communication and research skills.
- Graphic Design: Fostering artistic expression and technical proficiency.
These courses are structured to accommodate varying learning styles, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all students.
Independent Living Skills
BCI goes beyond academics by offering real-life engagement opportunities:
- Extended trips: Students participate in community outings to build independence and social skills.
- Practical learning: Training includes budgeting, cooking, and navigating public transport.
Business Venture Skills
To prepare students for modern societal challenges, BCI incorporates entrepreneurial training, teaching them:
- Market research
- Product development
- Financial planning
- Communication and negotiation
This approach equips learners with tools for self-reliance and adaptability.
Aftercare and Transition Support
BCI provides comprehensive aftercare support to ensure students transition successfully into professional roles or further education. This includes:
- Career Counseling: Tailored guidance to align students’ skills with opportunities.
- Alumni Support: Continued mentoring post-graduation.
- Collaborative Opportunities: Partnering with local businesses to create employment pathways.
Addressing the National SEND Crisis
Government statistics highlight a significant gap in educational provisions for SEND learners, with many institutions unable to meet the growing demand. BCI stands as a beacon of innovation, addressing these challenges by:
- Delivering tailored support that improves outcomes compared to national averages.
- Offering a nurturing environment where students thrive academically and socially.
Collaboration with SENAR
Our collaborative approach with SENAR is instrumental in achieving shared goals. By working together, we can:
- Increase student placements.
- Streamline support services.
- Foster innovation through investment in technologies like assistive software and multimedia tools.
BCI’s Vision
As a pioneering institution, BCI envisions:
- Expanding enrollment to serve more students.
- Securing long-term contracts with SENAR to solidify our role as a leader in SEND education.
- Continually investing in high-end technologies to enhance learning experiences and empower students.
Call to Action
We invite all recipients of this letter to:
- Schedule a site visit to BCI to witness our progress firsthand.
- Confirm the dismissal of the cessation letter as irrelevant to our operations.
- Support our mission by facilitating referrals and contracts for SEND placements.
BCI remains steadfast in its dedication to SEND education. We have exhausted every avenue to ensure compliance and will continue to do so to provide our students with the opportunities they deserve. We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to a strong partnership with SENAR.
Yours sincerely,
Robert Edwards
Managing Director/ SENCo
British Creative Institute
Attachments:
- Ascentis Audit Report
- Highfield Qualifications Accreditation Certificate
- LinkedIn Learning Partnership Membership