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Education and learning

Local authority useful information

The Local Authority cannot recommend any of these entries but they are simply offered as a possible help in your search for advice and information.

Information on Examinations
Bedford College\| (new window)	Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AH Tel: (01234) 291925
CCEA\| (new window)	29 Clarendon Road, Belfast. BT1 3BG Tel: (028) 9026 1200
City and Guilds\| (new window)	2 Swanwick Court, Wick Island, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7AS Tel: (01773) 842900
Edexcel\| (new window)	Stewart House, 32 Russell Square, London, WC18 5 DN Tel: 0870 240 9800 Email: enquiries@adexcel.org.uk\| Adamsway, Mansfield, Notts, NG18 4NL Tel: (01623) 467467 Email: enquiries@edexcel.org.uk\|
NEAB\| (new window)	31-33 Springfield Avenue, Harrowgate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2HR Tel: (01423) 840015
NEC	18 Brooklands Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 2HN Tel: (01223) 400 350 Email: info@nec.ac.uk\|
OCR\| (new window)	1 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1GG GCSE English without coursework Email: helpdesk@ocr.org.uk\| 1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU Tel: (01223) 553998 Email: helpdesk@ocr.org.uk\|
QCA\| (new window)	29 Bolton Street, London, W1Y 7PD Tel: (020) 7509 5556
WJEB	245 Western Avenue, Cardiff. Tel: (029) 2026 5000

Home Education Information and Support
Advisory centre for education\| (new window)	Suitable for parents of pupils aged 5-16 Advice for parents on the aspects of state education
Association of British Correspondence Colleges\| (new window)	PO Box 17926, London, SW19 3WB Tel: (020) 8544 9559 Email: info@homestudy.org.uk\| . . . Publishes a free list of member colleges and their courses.
Calvert package\| (new window)	Educational package.Up to 8th Grade.
Casebourne Home Tuition	4 Rushbrook Way, Rivermead, Shrewsbury, SY2 5TQ Tel: (01743) 289277 Email: youngdavies@mcmail.com\| KeyStage 3 work and assessments
Children's Legal Centre\| (new window)	University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ Tel: (01206) 873 935/0845 120 2966
Early Years and Extended Services\| (new window)	Childcare provision,family support services along with Bedfordshire Early Years and Extended Services for holiday information care and activities. Tel: (01234) 228229
Conductive Education \|(new window)	Services for training for disabled Tel: (0121) 449 1569
Contact for Muslim families	Mrs Z N Yahya, 20 Page Street, Swansea, SA4 4EY Head Office, Unit 726, The Big Peg, 120 Vyse Street, Hockley, Birmingham, B8 6NF
Chrysalis-Club 2000\| (new window)	Tel: (0121) 603 2220
Dyspraxia Trust	8 West Alley, Hitchin, SG5 1EG Tel: (01462) 454986
Education Otherwise\| (new window)	Education Otherwise, PO Box 325, Kings Lynn, PE34 3XW
Family Link Network	Social events, other support c/o Disability Resource Centre, Poynters House, Poynters Road, Dunstable, Beds Tel: (01582) 470 900
Flexi-Schooling	Kate Oliver, 21 St Mary's Crescent, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 1JL Tel: (01926) 427332 (after 8.30 pm only)
Home Education Advisory Service\| (new window)	PO Box 98, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL8 6AN Tel: +44 (0) 1707 371854 Email: 100752.1061@compuserve.com\| . . . support organisation for UK home educators, quarterly bulletin, advice line, handbook of home education, leaflets.
Home Education Reading Opportunities	HERO Books, 58 Portland Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 5DL HMSO Bookshop Tel: (0121) 236 9696 Open Learning Centre, 24 King Street, Carmarthen, SA31 1BS Tel: (01267) 235268 Learning from home-based education by Rland Meigham ISBN 1-871526-07-2 Educating your child at home by Jane Lowe and Dr Alan Thomas ISBN 0-8264-5227-2 Educational heretics\| (new window) press and centre for personalised education Books by John Holt (new window) \| Kelda Cottage, Lydbrook, Gloucs, GL17 9SX Tel: (01594) 86110 Email: herald@altavista.net\|
INFORM 0-19\|	Information service for parents and carers of children and young people aged 0-19. Freephone: 0800 023 2057 Email: inform0-19@bedscc.gov.uk\|
Little Arthur Independent School	Home Education Resources and Learning Development Home Schoolers Tel: (01720) 422457 Assessments units undertaken.
London Montessori Centre	18 Balderton Street, London, W1Y 1TG Tel: (020) 7493 0165 Fax: (020) 7629 7808 Free info: 0800 181561 Hotline: (020) 7435 7874 . . . most extensive range of Montessori courses, parents courses.
Mercers College	Ware, Herts, SG12 9BU Tel: (01920) 465926 Fax: (01920) 484909 Email: mercers green@yahoo.com\| . . . Age 5 to "A" level
Montessori Society UK	26 Lyndhurst Gardens, London, NW3 5NW . . . American based Montessori courses.
Montessori St Nicholas Centre	Correspondence Division, 23-24 Princes Gate, London, SW7 1PT Tel: (020) 7225 1277, Fax: (020) 7823 7557 (There are several Montessori pages on the internet).
National Autistic Society	393 City Road, London, EC1V 1NE Tel: (020) 7833 2299
National Childrens Homes	London & Northern Home Counties, GreenLEYS Family Centre, Marron Lane, Wolverton, Milton Keynes Tel: (01908) 313622
NSPCC\| (new window)	Advice for children and parents/carers
National Extension College	Distant learning; various courses including GCSE. The Michael Young Centre Purbeck Road, Cambridge,CB2 2HN Tel: (01223) 400350
National Open College	Various distance learning modules Tel: (01274) 777317 or (01274)777318
Oxford Home schooling\| (new window)	GCSE subjects Tel: 0800 0111 024 or (01865) 304 846
Parents advice\| (new window)	Various issues on education
Parent link\| (new window)	(Suitable for parents of KS1/2 pupils) Explains the curriculum children will be studying for maths and English
Parents online\| (new window)	(Suitable for parents of children aged 4-11) Information on health, leisure and safety hints.
Parent Partnership Service	Westfield Middle School,Chester Road, Bedford, MK40 4HW
Parent talk\|	(Suitable for all parents) Information on becoming better parents
Piper Harrow Foundation	(Emotional disturbance) 14 Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6AX
Religious Education	Bible Course Words of Life, 26 St John's Grove, Harrowgate, HG1 3AQ
SAM Learning\| (new window)	Teaches students to mark their work according to the techniques used by examiners.
Skoool\| (new window)	(Suitable for KS2 pupils and teachers) Specialist maths and science education website which covers all levels.
Specific Conditions and rare disorders	Contact a Family, 209-211 City Road, London, EC1V 1JN. Tel: (020) 7608 8700.
The Satellite School	Distance learning for young people with medical or health needs. Also contact ACE for information. Tel: (01332) 638597
Traveller Education Service Tutors	Regis Education Centre, Parkside Drive, Houghton Regis, Beds, LU5 6PX Mrs V. Pick, 20 Warwick Road, Luton, LU4 8BH Tel: (01582) 401858 Languages and dyslexia specialisms Ms A Robinson Tel: (01767) 631123 Maths and English 4-12 years
UK Parents\| (new window)	(Suitable for all parents) information for loan parents, child health and toddlers. The site also has competitions and stories.
A.Y.Maths Centre	8 Ardley Close, Dunstable, LU6 3TA Tel: (01582) 608795

Children's Information Service Tel: (01234) 228229 Child care provision, family support services along with Bedfordshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership for holiday information care and activities.

Other information
Action for ME and Chronic Fatigue	Carolyn Morris Telephone: (01234) 403664
Visually Impaired Help	Jason Stranger Tel: (01525) 217917
MENCAP	Tel: (01582) 560003
NETWORK 81 for Special educational needs	Tel: (01279) 647418
ADHD / ADD Support Group UK	Tel: (01908) 676779
Speech impairment AFASIC	Tel: (08453) 555577
SEN Marketing	Dyslexia and Special needs Tel: (01924) 871697
SEN contact at DFES	Tel: (020) 7273 4729
National Deaf Children's Society	15 Dufferin Street, London, EC1Y 8UR Tel: (020) 7250 0123
Bedfordshire Association of Governing Bodies	Tel: (01234) 302323
Connexions Service 13-19 years support\| (new window)	6 Cardiff Road, Luton, LU1 1PPTel: (01582) 727184 or 0845 6123300 (Various numbers depending on the area look in directory ; also 07980018914)
Bedford Race Equality Council	36 Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3HD Tel: (01234) 350459
LearnDirect	Distance/ Open learning packages Tel: 0800 101 901
Dyslexia Institute	Tel: (020) 0773 09202
Learning Disability Helpline	Advice on any issue around learning disability 123 Golden Lane, London, EC1 ORT Tel: 0808 808 1111
Learning Warehouse	Learning centre Tel: (01525) 374123
Bedford Home Educators Activities for home-educators	Tel: (01234) 341375 Email: june.mcdonald@btinternet.com\|
Christian Group For support and friendship; Monthly activities.	Mrs R. Mitchel, 28 Epping Way, Luton, LU3 3JE Tel: (01582) 703875
Work experience	Jean Darrington Edu.Bus. Partnership Telephone: (01525) 408080 Weekend work EWS Jan Mann Tel: (01234) 228702
Outdoor challenges	Karen Walker Tel: (01234) 228538
Centre at KEMPSTON	Grants- Sue Barrow Tel: (01525) 842243 Email: Susan.barrow@midbeds.gov.uk\|
Dental care\| (new window)	Dental association
ASW2\| (new window)	A level and IB courses Tel: (020) 7792 7361
Degrees\| (new window)	Open University ICS Tel: 0800 096 8402
Activity courses	Susan Ploetz, EBP, 15 Doolittle Mill, Ampthill MK45 2ND Tel: (01525) 408086
First aid \|(new window)	Children's Safety Education Foundation
Numeracy: Multiplication	BBC Maths\| (new window) (suitable for KS2 pupils and teachers) Site includes "interesting number activities". Channel 4\| (new window) (suitable for KS1/2 pupils and teachers) Interactive games DfES \| (suitable for KS2 pupils and teachers) Teaches multiplication using the grid method. Happy child\| (new window) (suitable for KS2 pupils and teachers) A selection of free worksheets (suitable for KS2 pupils and teachers) Online activities which is aimed at 5-8 and 8-12 year olds. (suitable for KS2 pupils and teachers) Various methods of learning and teaching multiplication including the use of games and worksheets. Natural Math\| (new window) (suitable for KS2 pupils and teachers) Resources which are printable which would assist in the teaching of multiplication.
Useful Websites Criminl Records Bureau\| (new window) Online Volunteering Service\| (new window) The stationary office\| (new window) Inclusion trust\| (new window)	Information on obtaining CRB checks Volunteering even at home Publications on education Alternative school programme
Human Scale Education\| (new window)	For those interested in setting up small schools
Home education in the UK\| (new window)	Home education in the UK
Christian home education\| (new window)	Christian home education

Associations For advice on autism, dyslexia and some other matters contact Advisory Teacher Education otherwise:
ACE	Advice for parents on all aspects of education. 1c Aberdeen Studios, 22 Highbury Grove, London, N52DQ Tel: (020) 7354 9318 Drugs Helpline: 0808 800 327
Action for ME	PO Box 1302, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2WE
ADD/ADHD	Neighbourhood House, 1 Pencarrow Place, Fishermead, Milton Keynes, MK6 2AS Tel: (01908) 676779
Advocacy Service	Support for parents especially for learning disabilities 41 Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3EU Tel: (01234) 262080
Autism Bedfordshire	Various advice and support at St Mark's Church Community Centre,Calder Rise, Bedford, MK41 7UY
Contact a Family	(Sharing advice, especially medical conditions). 209-211 City Road, London, EC1V 1JN Tel: (020) 7608 8700
Deaf support\| (new window)
Dyslexia Groups\| (new window)	Bedford Telephone: (01234) 782093 South Beds Telephone: (01582) 752444
Family Learning	Jennifer Henderson Email: jennifer.henderson@bedscc.gov.uk \|Tel: (01234) 408142
Families United\| (new window)	Sandra Warner Tel: (01582) 523691 Activities for children with special needs
OCD Action\| (new window)	Promotes recovery and awareness, and provides useful information and contacts.
Open Learning Centre, Carmarthen	24 King Street, Carmarthen, SA31 1BS, UK Tel: UK 07000 24 7000 International: + (44) 1267 235268 Fax: UK (01267) 238179 International: + (44) 1267 238179 Email: po@olc.ccta.ac.uk\|
SENDIST \|(new window)	Special educational needs and disability appeals 7th Floor, Windsor House, 50 Victoria Street, London. SW1H 0NW Tel: (01325) 392555
Special Needs OAASIS\| (new window)	The Coach House, Hesley Hall, Tickhull, Doncaster, DN11 9HH Tel: (01302) 866906
Sports aerobics award scheme	British Gymnastics Tel:0845 12971 29 ext.355
TEACH\| (new window)	Christian educational group Maranatha House, Unit 5 Northford Close, Shrivenham, Swindon, SN6 8HL

Web Sites
Grid club\| (new window)	Grid Club – 7-11 years Tel: (020) 7306 5568
National geographic for kids\| (new window)	National Geographic Mapwork, etc
National Curriculum in Action\| (new window)	National Grid for Learning Schemes of work and examples of pupil work
Open Learning International	24 King Street, Carmarthen, SA31 1BS Tel: 0800 393 743
PIN	Advice for parents on use of computers for learning.
Science worlds\| (new window)	Science Line Tel: 0808 800 4000 Answers queries free
Schools revision\| (new window)	BBC education
Christian Education\| (new window)	TEACH (Christian) Unit 5, Northford Close, Shrivenham, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN6 8HZ Tel: (01793) 787926
Learn things from the Guardian\| (new window)	Various resources
Enchanted learning\| (new window)	Various activities
Focus on phonics\| (new window)	Synthetic phonics
Film education\| (new window)	Film education for KS1
Living library reference suite\| (new window)	homework
The Feel Good Factor\| (new window)	PSHE and Citizenship
ArtisanCam\| (new window)	Artists at work and workshops
The National Virtual Museum\| (new window)	Battlefields
Oracle education foundation\| (new window)	Home work ideas
Just like us!\| (new window)	John Grooms resources workbook on citizenship
Digital brain\| (new window)	Includes work on posters and diaries
Schoolsnet\| (new window)	KS1/2 Literacy work
Stufun\| (new window)	KS2 grammer, punctuation
Primary resources from the Guardian\| (new window)	Lessons for KS1/2
The Literacy Trust\| (new window)	Advice for reading development
Just1World\| (new window)	Third world issues and topics
Adventure service challenge\| (new window)	Adventure service challenge scheme for 8-14 years
Connected earth\| (new window)	Technology activities
Pfeg\| (new window)	Finances
Teaching Handwriting Reading And Spelling Skills\| (new window)	Literacy activities
Renaissance leaning\| (new window)	Accelerated learner; ref TES12
Learning Grids\| (new window)	Accelerated learner
Mantra Lingua\| (new window)	Languages
Mathematics problems, games, and articles\| (new window)	Accelerated learning
Booktrust\| (new window)	Literary resource
Amnesty international\| (new window)	Useful information and materials
About autism\| (new window)	About autism
Ask Cederic\| (new window)	Consumer education
Creating music\| (new window)	Music and games
Fun Brain\| (new window)	KS1 and KS2 games
Learn to Learn\| (new window)	Effective learning
Spark Island\| (new window)	Helpful ideas
Show me\| (new window)	Projects etc for 4 to 11 years
Family welfare association\| (new window)	Behaviour issues
Parent line plus\| (new window)	Bulling and other issues, 24 hour service Telephone: 0808 800 2222
Science worlds\| (new window)	Science help Telephone: 0808 800 4000
Brainteazers and puzzles\| (new window)	11-19 years puzzle activities
Number gym software\| (new window)	Numeracy KS1 -2
Internet for English\| (new window)	English activities
National Literacy Trust\| (new window)	Talking to young children
Reading Reform Foundation\| (new window)	Reading advice
Centre for literacy in primary education\| (new window)	Resources for literacy
Jolly learning\| (new window)	Phonics advice
Transforming your classroom\| (new window)	Oxford reading scheme
The Child Literacy Centre\| (new window)	Advice on literacy
Read together\| (new window)	reading
Sam learning\| (new window)	Self Assessment Method- aims for exam success.
Click teaching\| (new window)	Primary curriculum resources
Baltimore Curriculum Project Lesson Plans\| (new window)	Baltimore curriculum USA
EBCnet\| (new window) is the one stop shop for selected teaching resources sponsored by some of Britain's leading organisations	Redrow community topic
Education programmes online\|	Various topics and age ranges.
Department for schools, children and families\|	Framework for teaching subjects
teachernet\|	Planning a curriculum
Collect Britain\|	Maps
Health Education Trust\|	Food information
Sodoku\|	Numeracy activity
Teachers Pet\|	Crosswords etc.
Spellmaster\|	Reading/ Writing/ Games
Department for culture media and sport	Topic work
www.commtap.org\|	Activities for speech and language
www.bbc.co.uk/jam\|	Support for ages 5-16 years
www.basic-skills.co.uk\|	Basic Skills Agency
www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/primary/foundationstage\|	The DfES foundation stage
www.readamillionwords.org.uk\|	Read a million words
www.literacytrust.org.uk/football/\|	Literacy trust football initiative
www.skillsforlife.com\|	Skills for life
www.money-bsa.org.uk\|	Financial literacy project
Competitions 1. www.unilever.co.uk\| 2.www.musichouseforchildren.co.uk \| 3. bigtoe@bbc.co.uk\| 4. www.tes.co.uk/write \|	International School of Arts Project, 5-18 Provides music, drama and dance for children, toddlers and young people. Big Toe BBC Radio show Telephone: (020) 7765 2998 Write away literacy competition for 7-14 yrs

Information on Social Activities and Other Activities
Bedford Open Door Counselling 13-25 years	21-23 Gadsby Street, Bedford, MK40 3HP Counselling 13-25 years
Community Arts, Photography,animation etc.	Fosterhill Road, Bedford Paul Nicholson Telephone: (01234) 212388 Photography, animation etc
Cycling Proficiency Road Safety Ready Steady Drive	Bill Brady County Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP
Evening classes/activities at colleges and schools	Various courses and activities
First Aid courses	Bill Brady County Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP
Local newspapers	Bill Brady County Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP
Music School	Usual events and activities in sport and other areas e-mail: enquiries@education-otherwise.org\|
Play for Life	Self-run groups and activities 31b Ipswich Road, Norwich, NR2 2LN