KIDDERMINSTER College has opened the doors to SPACE (Safe Place And Calm Environment), a support centre for students aged 16 and up with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), writes Hannah Taylor.
Funded by £279,312 worth of investment from Worcestershire County Council, SPACE aims to prepare students for life after college and provide them with a comfortable environment away from the overwhelming college day.
Student common room
Construction began in August 2024 and was finished in February this year.
Among the features at SPACE are a fully-functional and accessible kitchen, a realistic one-bedroom flat, a quiet student common room and two relaxing sensory rooms.
These are designed to provide a safe place for SEND students, where they can practise fundamental life skills such as cooking and laundry or unwind in a quiet environment.
Sensory room
The specialised sensory rooms provide emotional regulation and a relaxing environment, which can be tailored to individual students’ needs.
Kidderminster College vice principal, Claire Heywood, said: “We’re proud to offer inclusive education for students with SEND across our full range of courses.
“Through this project, we’ve enhanced our SEND facilities, offering specialist spaces designed to support independence and wellbeing.”
Training kitchen
Kidderminster College also offers a range of learning support and specialist course provision for students with SEND, ensuring they are well-supported in difficult aspects of college life.
Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for education and SEND, Coun Dr Stephen Foster, said: “It’s fantastic to see the courses and dedicated staff in place to support students as they move on to their next steps in life and we’re proud to have been able to help Kidderminster College to make that possible.”
Independence skills flat
Students have been able to access SPACE since May of this year, and have particularly been enjoying developing their hospitality and customer service skills in a safe environment to support their increasing independence into adulthood and the world of work.
