Construction is underway at Prior’s Court for a unique arts centre, the Let Me Shine Performing Arts Centre, designed specifically for autistic young people with complex needs. This innovative facility, located in Berkshire, is transforming an existing building, and is expected to open in the 2024/25 school year.
The centre will offer adapted facilities for music, dance, and drama, addressing the challenges autistic individuals face in accessing the arts, such as sensitivities to sensory stimuli and social interactions. It aims to simulate real theatre environments to prepare students for community arts venues and provide a space for creative expression.
Sue Piper, Director of Learning at Prior’s Court, shared her excitement about the project’s progress. She emphasised its uniqueness in catering to the needs of autistic individuals with complex needs. Piper highlighted the importance of the arts in communication for those who are pre-verbal and advocated for inclusive access to the arts for all. Piper thanked the various supporters who have contributed to the project’s development.
Prior’s Court also plans to use the centre as a base for researching best practices in supporting access to the arts for autistic individuals and sharing these insights with the education and performing arts sectors nationwide and internationally.
A new report from Ofsted reveals that over 90% of local authorities in England struggle to find suitable homes for children with complex needs, often leading to prolonged waits for a stable placement. Children often end up in homes where they are the sole resident with multiple staff members, risking isolation and potential mistreatment.
Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, highlights the difficulties in finding homes tailored to these children's specific needs, exacerbated by staffing challenges and a lack of secure, therapeutic homes. Yvette Stanley, Ofsted’s National Director for Social Care, acknowledges some good practices but stresses the need for better alignment of children's homes with the needs and locations of these children.
The report criticises the broad categorisation of 'complex needs', advocating for a more individualised approach to better serve each child's unique requirements. Effective practices include well-planned transitions, consistent relationships, appropriate education and fostering a sense of belonging.
Derived from a national survey and case studies, the report underscores the need for strategic oversight in the children’s residential sector and calls for collaboration between local authorities and children's homes. This approach aims to improve the planning and provision of care, ensuring homes are opened in suitable locations to meet the diverse needs of children.
Plans for a new care complex facility in Linton, Maidstone, have been proposed to meet the critical demand for elderly housing. The project includes a diverse range of facilities: a 73-unit care home, a specialised 14-unit block for autistic adults, a 12-bed hospice, and up to 70 affordable bungalows for the elderly. A decision on this initiative is expected by February 21st, 2024.
This development is a collaborative effort by Heart of Kent Hospice, Aspire LPP, Coral Living, and Stonebond. According to documentation by DHA Designs, representing the consortium, Maidstone faces a significant challenge due to the increasing elderly population and decline in small, independent care homes. New care facility constructions have not kept pace with this growing need.
A notable feature of the plan is relocating the Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford, which Princess Diana originally opened. This relocation is crucial for addressing the elderly's housing requirements. The proposed complex aims to offer a mix of residential care and independent living options, enhancing the quality of life for seniors and adults with specialised care needs.
The project's objective is not just to provide housing but to foster a supportive community environment, emphasising affordable and accessible living solutions. By integrating various care services, the development promises to significantly improve elderly care infrastructure in the Maidstone area.
The new £6 million Tree Tops complex care centre in Scunthorpe, funded by the Department for Education, is a significant development for young people with complex disabilities. This centre, also the new home for The Cygnets respite centre, offers short-term care and supports families needing palliative care.
Julie Reed, a key figure at North Lincolnshire Council, expressed her profound satisfaction with this project. She highlighted the significant impact Tree Tops will have on local families, bringing much-needed palliative care services to the community.
The centre is thoughtfully designed, featuring a single-story structure with numerous sensory rooms, cosy dining and lounge areas, staff accommodations, and 13 specially designed accessible bedrooms catering to the unique needs of children. The facility also includes well-equipped kitchens and bathrooms, a medical room, and family-friendly spaces. A standout feature of Tree Tops is its serene gardens and outdoor areas, which are accessible to staff, residents, and their families, providing a peaceful retreat for relaxation and reflection.
Scunthorpe's MP, Holly Mumby-Croft, praised the centre, emphasizing the importance of providing top-tier facilities for all children, especially those facing difficult times. Tree Tops is not just a centre; it's a lifeline for families and a symbol of the community's commitment to caring for its most vulnerable members.
British Sign Language (BSL) is set to become a GCSE subject in England starting September 2025, introducing students to approximately 1,000 signs with a goal to fostering inclusivity.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan underscores its significance as a life skill that can open doors for young people. The syllabus, currently under review by the exam’s regulator Ofqual, stems from a 12-week public consultation and acknowledges BSL as an official language in the UK.
The decision to introduce the BSL GCSE follows years of campaigning, with Susan Daniels, CEO of the National Deaf Children's Society, expressing delight at the culmination of this decade-long effort. She believes the GCSE will not only provide an academic understanding but also celebrate the rich culture and history embedded in British Sign Language.
According to estimates from the British Deaf Association, approximately 151,000 people in the UK use BSL, with 87,000 being deaf.
Arran Masterman from the National Deaf Children's Society sees the introduction of the BSL GCSE as a momentous step forward, making the language more accessible and engaging for learners. While Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, expresses support for the new GCSE, but cautions about potential practical constraints for schools.
