The college provides for 16 day students and 44 residential students. The residential students reside in Registered Homes. All accommodation is homely, well maintained and colourfully decorated. The primary aim of the College is to provide the students with an inclusive quality educational and social care service that enables them to achieve their potential and their social, behavioural and emotional development. Arden College also provides long term living opportunities (Homes for Life) for 15 former students who reside in the local area and continue to receive opportunities for personal development.
Students with learning, social, emotional and moderate challenging behaviour difficulties and disabilities require a great deal of support and counselling to develop self confidence, increase their independence and assist the transition to adulthood. Individual Learning programmes are formulated to their needs enabling them to use current strengths and interests to act upon their likes and dislikes, pursue their aspirations and ambitions and progress to the future. The students are supported by a high ratio of staff (1:3 and where required 1:1), who offer guidance, support and encouragement in their social and academic development.
Arden College’s residential programme is funded on a 24-hour curriculum basis, incorporating courses in independent living, community and vocational skills, social and recreational activities. Specific areas within the national recognised framework include Speech Therapy, Art & Craft, Numeracy, Literacy, Information Technology, Catering and Horticulture. Additional curricular areas such as Drama, Photography, Music, Sport, Recreation and Leisure, essential to the practical and cognitive development of the student, are also incorporated. All programmes are inclusive, focused as they are on enabling the student to access the community, live a more independent life and, where appropriate, engage in further education, training or employment.