Sign in Subscribe
County councils

New Specialist Facilities for Students with SEND at Kidderminster College

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Kidderminster College in Worcestershire, UK has officially opened its new specialist provision, SPACE, providing support for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 16 and over. The facility, funded with PS279,312 of capital investment from Worcestershire County Council, offers new life skills and sensory accommodation. The project aims to create a calm and supportive environment for students with SEND to access education, independence, and employment opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new facility, SPACE, was designed to create new life skills and sensory accommodation for students with SEND aged 16 and over, with a total capital investment of PS279,312 from Worcestershire County Council.
  • The facility features a fully accessible kitchen, two calming sensory rooms, a realistic one-bedroom flat, and a quiet student common room to support students with SEND.
  • Over 100 young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are now studying at levels 1, 2, and 3, as well as entry level, at Kidderminster College, preparing them for adulthood and positive progress into the world of work.
  • The introduction of two sensory rooms reflects a need for quiet space to enable students to access their local college, whilst supporting their increasing independence as they move into adulthood.
  • Students are particularly enjoying using the new facilities to develop their hospitality, retail, and customer service skills as well as having new places to take time away from a busy day and reset.
  • Claire Heywood, Vice Principal at Kidderminster College, praised the Worcestershire County Council for their vision, commitment, and investment, highlighting the rarity of capital funding for provision in post-16 providers.
  • Councillor Dr Stephen Foster, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education and SEND at Worcestershire County Council, expressed pride in seeing the courses and dedicated staff in place to support students as they move on to their next steps in life.

Statistics:

  • PS279,312: total capital investment from Worcestershire County Council for the SPACE facility.
  • 100+: number of young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) studying at levels 1, 2, and 3, as well as entry level, at Kidderminster College.
  • 2: number of calming sensory rooms provided to support students with SEND.
  • 1-16: age range of students with SEND provided for in the SPACE facility.
  • May-September: timeline for the introduction of new students to the SPACE facility.

Sources:

  • Kidderminster College
  • Worcestershire County Council
  • Claire Heywood, Vice Principal at Kidderminster College
  • Councillor Dr Stephen Foster, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education and SEND at Worcestershire County Council

Read more