A NEW special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school is opening its doors in Redditch.
The school, in Matchborough, will provide a calm, nurturing environment and bespoke education to children aged five to 11 who are experiencing barriers to learning.
This includes social, emotional and mental health needs, autism spectrum conditions and those who have experienced developmental trauma.
The school builds on the success of the Your Ideas Youth and Community Project, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008 which supports over 200 young people a week through their specialist after-school clubs and alternative provision.
The project will continue to run clubs for children in the evenings, whilst the alternative provision will be relocated to their newly developed site in Bengrove Close, Woodrow.
Headteacher Dr Clare Whalley said: “I am so excited to finally open the doors of Your Ideas School.
“This has long been an aspiration of the founders of the Your Ideas Youth and Community Project, and a personal one of mine.
“We have been working towards this for a little over a year, and to finally see our vision come to fruition is incredibly exciting.
“We cannot wait for children to thrive in our nurturing, therapeutic school.”
The new school will accommodate up to eight pupils at any one time and children will receive a curriculum which is tailored to their developmental stage and individual needs.
“Social and emotional wellbeing will be at the heart of the school, with children also receiving outdoor education and opportunities for spontaneous learning through curiosity.
Deputy Headteacher, Katie Sweeney said: “Children’s personal and social development is considered central to everything that we do.
“These requirements will inform our bespoke curriculum which aims to enable pupils to build trust, gain confidence, and to progress their learning.
“By allowing our children and staff to be inquisitive, engaged and excited by learning we aim to create confident, happy individuals who can leave our school celebrating their differences and personal achievements.
“Of my 20 years in education, this is without doubt the most exciting time.”
