01550 760400What an exciting start to the new academic year, a brand new space to access learning, creativity, technology, cooking and relaxing, all under one roof. In their first week the learners have enjoyed exploring the new ICT suite, kitchens, classrooms and craft spaces.
The Building Work Continued Through Covid-19
The Education Hub building project, continued at pace throughout the pandemic, which was highly praised during our recent Estyn visit. We continue to invest in our facilities to make sure that generations to come will benefit from what’s on offer here.
The work, funded largely by the National Lottery Community Fund, and built by McCanns has been a £1.8M project. It includes the main Education Hub and a bank of purpose-built craft buildings. The initial grant from the Community Fund was further boosted by many different organisations and individuals (listed below) whose support ensured that the final buildings are of the highest quality.
An Accessible, Modern, Learning Environment
As well as providing a modern learning environment, the building has also been tailored to the unique needs of our learners. With input from an occupational health advisor, we’ve got highly customised seating – adjustable chairs, ball chairs and bean bag chairs – as well as accessible touch screen laptops and tablets. The kitchen has four work areas, with easy access to cupboards, sinks and hobs which helps to promote independence during sessions.
The weavery now has four looms set up, giving more learners the opportunity to try their hand at weaving, already we’ve seen some real talent emerging and it’s only been a week!
Such is the quality of the space that we’re hoping to be able to host WorldSkills' training events in the future.
“I really like the new education hub - my favourite room is the Atrium, it's big and I can see all my friends there” Tommy
"The new hub is cool - my favourite room is the ICT suite, it's relaxing, working while sitting on the beanbags” Laurina
A Comfortable Place to Teach
It’s not just the learners that are benefitting from the space, the building includes new offices and meeting areas for our education team, who are also enjoying their new environment.
" The new hub is an exciting development for us in education, the purpose-built facilities support us to meet learners' targets and it's great being so close together. It makes transitioning from one area to another smoother and learners and staff can also meet for tea break!" Anja, Learning Support Worker
We know it’s just a building but we feel so proud of this new space, we want our learners to feel valued and inspired to fulfil their potential … by investing in the site we are investing in them and their future.
Our Supporters
Many thanks to all our funders. Without their support we would not have been able to create such an amazing facility.
National Lottery Community Fund
Garfield Weston Foundation
The Moondance Foundation
Albert Hunt Trust
Bernard Sunley Foundation
The Waterloo Foundation
Margaret Davies Charity
Mary Homfray
Gosling Foundation
Parent’s Association
Beatrice Laing Trust