ESPA College

ESPA College is part of European Services for People with Autism, which provides various services for people on the autistic spectrum. However, the college management team is based in a separate building to that of the company, clearly established that they are in many ways a differing service. It educates young people aged 16-18. It was recognised in a 2002 OFSTED report as providing a "good, targeted curriculum for the autistic".

The College
Opened in 1992, the college has provided a unique educational experience for learners. All learners follow a tailor made curriculum, which is a programme of study and support specifically designed to meet the social, educational and emotional needs of the young adults that study there. Every learner has an Individual Learning Plan specific to their needs, which includes targets that learners refer to during their Record Of Achievement and Development (ROAD) target system; this is used twice per week, once to set the target, and once to review.

ESPA aims to provide learners with Asperger's Syndrome and other related disorders with an inclusive education free from the bullying and nastiness that can surround learners with AS in a mainstream environment.

The college is managed by a lead team of three people: Chris Pickup is the Principal, Sara Everett is the Deputy Principal, and Pauline Shannon is the College Manager. In addition to those, the Deputy Chief Executive of ESPA, Steve Levy, also stays very involved with the goings-on of the college. Each site has its own management structure which will include a site co-ordinator & duty management team.

One College, Multiple Sites
ESPA College is split into five sites, named Ashleigh (a Hall of Residence), North Rye, South Hill, Tasker & Westfield (a Hall of Residence). South Hill is located close to Grangetown, whilst Westfield & Tasker are located just outside of Sunderland City Centre. North Rye is located in Kenton, with Ashleigh being near to Fawdon.