Apollo Centre for excluded pupils launches in Solihull
Mayor officially opens education centre providing alternative provision for 20 primary-aged children
A new centre has opened in Solihull designed to educate primary-aged children who have been excluded or are at risk of permanent exclusion from mainstream school. The four newly refurbished classrooms and other spaces at the Apollo Centre can accommodate up to 20 children.
The Mayor of Solihull and dignitaries at the opening of the Apollo Centre, photo courtesy of Solihull Council
The new centre is part of the Solihull Alternative Provision Multi Academy Trust (SAPMAT), which runs several other schools and settings across Solihull and the West Midlands. The site chosen is a former infant school next to Daylesford Academy. The old school has undergone an extensive 15-month refurbishment funded by Solihull Council.
The result is a therapeutic and inclusive environment. Classrooms use soft, nature-inspired colours and minimalist displays to avoid sensory overload – a key factor when working with some children who have additional needs. There is also a specially designed sensory room and facilities for play therapy, so that the widest possible range of support is provided.
An on-site educational psychologist and speech and language therapist will provide expert support to children, alongside the staff of specialist teachers. The aim is to aid pupils and prepare them for returning to mainstream schooling.
In addition, the new Apollo Centre will be base for support to Solihull primary schools, helping them to prevent disengagement and suspensions. Pupils from mainstream schools will be invited in for certain sessions and Apollo staff will also visit them in their own schools.
Shahin Ashraf MBE, the Mayor of Solihull, says: ‘It was an honour to officially open this new school, it has such an important role to play for some of the most vulnerable children in Solihull. The building, and more importantly the staff, really impressed me and I have every confidence that they will do brilliant work here. The space is incredible, and I want to thank those involved in making this a reality.’
Cllr Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader of Solihull Council and Lead Member for Children and Inclusion, adds: ‘The Apollo Centre will make a real difference for its pupils, having it available is absolutely vital. The specialised nature of the support, and the experience SAPMAT have in delivering high-quality alternative provision, should reassure parents that even in difficult circumstances we will do the very best we can for their children. We can’t overlook the importance of the outreach work staff based here will be doing. It is something that headteachers across Solihull have asked for, so I’m delighted that we’ve been able to deliver that.’
Marie Meehan, Director of the Apollo Centre, says: ‘We are very excited to be working in partnership with the local authority and Solihull primary schools and head teachers to build, launch and develop this much needed intervention and resource for the primary aged children of Solihull.’
Stephen Steinhaus, CEO of SAPMAT, adds: ‘The opening of the Apollo Centre marks a new era for alternative provision in Solihull. This purpose-built facility aims to provide a calming oasis for young minds and support for every child’s unique needs, enabling them to access educational opportunities for young people who need them most. Ultimately, Apollo aims to transform young lives, one day and one child at a time.’
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