Welcome to Red Balloon of the Air (RBAir). I hope you enjoy reading about our specialist education provision, which offers a hybrid of online and face-to-face learning with integrated therapeutic and mentoring input. We are commissioned as an Alternative Provider and can deliver a tailored sessional programme of up to 15 hours per week. Since RBAir opened in 2011, it has supported many young people to Engage and Rebuild: academically, emotionally and socially, in a safe and respectful environment. This work is underpinned by RBAir’s core values of unconditional positive regard, mutual respect, inclusion and collaboration.
Learners are predominantly taught online through live, interactive sessions, either individually or as part of a small group. RBAir offers a variety of approaches to learning through project-based and/or subject-based sessions. These lead to a range of qualification options including GCSEs, Functional Skills and ASDAN courses, as well as AQA Unit Award certificates (more information on the full range of subjects we offer can be found here).
For post-16 learners, who would like to develop their confidence and gain employability skills before moving on to work or college, RBAir offers the opportunity to engage in more face-to-face learning through Learning 4 Living sessions (including support for travel training and external work experience). This runs alongside academic qualifications and mentoring.
Link Mentors are instrumental in connecting all parts of the learner’s provision and ensuring a person-centred approach. Additionally, every learner has an opportunity to receive therapeutic support from a qualified therapist.
Over the last few years, Red Balloon Educational Trust (RBET) has developed a learning hub in Danbury, Essex, which works in partnership with RBAir (for further information, click here.) However, both RBET’s Learning Hub in Danbury, Essex, and the RBAir Centre in Milton, Cambridge, are JCQ registered exam centres; as such, learners can sit all their exams in a space which feels familiar and reassuring.
The space inside RBAir’s Centre and RBET’s Learning Hub have been carefully thought about; they offer a calm and gentle environment that invites everyone to be part of the RBAir community. Both offer stimulating and purposeful teaching and learning spaces alongside dedicated community spaces for learners and staff to work together.
I hope you enjoy reading more about RBAir through the information on this website. If you require any further information, please complete this Enquiry Form and one of the team will be in touch within 5 working days.
