National Star College - Ullenwood

My daughter is about to commence a fourth year and has therefore been resident at National Star for three full years. This is sufficient time for us to have an a reasonably accurate understanding of the establishment; in essence and overall, it can be described as being excellent. However, nowhere is perfect and, as parents, as far as we are concerned, there has been one fundamental issue that potentially could adversely affect the college and the learners: over 2022 and 2023 numerous experienced staff have left and the high turnover of care staff is most obvious and concerning. Some excellent people have gone and it means that new people have much to learn and require significant training. This situation is not just concerning, but does not need to occur, because the time and cost of retraining could have been invested into paying the care staff more adequately. Even from a business perspective, it does not make sense because the cost of retraining makes this approach a false economy.

My daughter has been cared for in an exemplary way. She had been supported to develop and express her own opinions and given absolute dignity and respect. She has developed her independence skills and confidence to a high level and learnt things that will last a lifetime.

National Star College was excellent in every aspect, from our first contact to the graduation event at the end of year three; they helped our disabled son develop into a confident, independent young man who will hopefully use the exceptional skills and experience from his time at the college to reach his full potential in life and achieve his aspirations. National Star College is an experience that every young person with a disability should have if they get the opportunity. Keep up the exceptional work team; we will miss you all dearly.

Since September 2021, we have found our son to have received excellent care, therapy and education at National Star College. Our son really enjoys the happy family atmosphere of his residence and the company of both his peers and facilitators. I am kept informed of any medical issues by dedicated nurses and his key workers keep me in touch with my son through regular social media calls. When I visit, my son seems to be really happy and settled and I am always delighted to see how well his facilitators know him. I believe that his social, care and health needs are very well met.

Helped my disabled daughter to move forward to adulthood, gaining confidence along with skills for life helped repair some of the damage done by school! National Star College gave her a chance to explore what she could accomplish without being put down by others like drama, dance and aerial dancing. She has been very happy during her time there and all of the staff have been brilliant.