Linwood Post 16 Skills Centre opens after £1.55m refurbishment, aiming to help young people who have special educational needs and disabilities to develop practical life skills
A former children’s centre in Poole has been extensively refurbished to better meet the needs of young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Students and staff take part in a ‘Nail It’ workshop at Linwood Post 16 Skills Centre, photo courtesy of BCP Council
The goal of the new Linwood Post 16 Skills Centre is to equip and empower these young people with the practical life skills and confidence they need to thrive when they leave school.
Individuals will benefit from tailored education and support that they can access close to home. Among the options available are workshops in do-it-yourself and woodwork
The newly centre will offer up to 60 specialist places, comprising 36 places for students moving on from nearby Linwood School and 24 new places provided to meet growing local demand.
The site was previously the Ted Webster Children’s Centre, but it has been extensively refurbished for its new role. That work has been funded by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and developed in partnership with Linwood School.
The refurbished centre now boasts specialist classrooms, ICT facilities and a fully equipped flat, with bathroom, kitchen and living space, where students can learn essential life-skills in a nurturing and safe environment. Those skills will include everything from budgeting for weekly shopping, cooking, managing laundry and cleaning.
There are also skills in more personal matters such as elf-care and hygiene. The focus of all activities is on preparing students for independent, healthy and fulfilling lives.
The refurbished skills centre cost £1.55m, paid through national education grants. The council says this is a sound investment, as the centre is projected to save between £1.1m and £1.5m each year, simply by reducing reliance on placements outside the local area.
Lorna Booth, a governor of Linwood School and parent of a young person joining the Skills Centre this term, says: ‘It’s been amazing to see how quickly my son Alfie has settled into the new Skills Centre. He only started a few days ago but the difference is already clear. The former centre just wasn’t meeting the students’ needs any more. While change can be challenging, this move is already opening up new opportunities. Alfie is thriving – especially enjoying the new ICT facilities – and it’s giving him a real foundation for a more independent and fulfilling future.’
Gemma Talbot, Executive Headteacher of Linwood School, adds: ‘We are excited to open the doors to our new Post-16 Skills Centre. This space has been thoughtfully designed to support our students in developing the skills, confidence, and independence they need to thrive in adulthood.’
Cllr Richard Burton, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People at BCP Council, says: ‘BCP Council is committed to investing in young people with SEND. The new Skills Centre is a vital step in improving local support and helping students build brighter futures. I am very much looking forward to visiting and seeing the difference that this great facility makes to our young people.’
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