Young people with SEND to benefit from multi-million pound city centre development
Exeter College has opened a new centre designed to support young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Young people with special educational needs and disabilities are set to benefit from a new Exeter College building “designed around” them.
The ‘Re-engagement, Inclusion, Skills, and Education centre - or the RISE - is understood to have been designed by the college to help learners in the city develop their skills, confidence, and independence.
Through the opening of this inclusive space, Exeter College hopes to make its training and education accessible to one hundred more young people with SEND.
The college says the building, located off of Queen Street, in the city centre, features 12 classrooms, a teaching kitchen, art room, breakout spaces, a care suite, and a therapy room.
Current learners at the institution were reportedly consulted on RISE’s design - making decisions on which furniture, colours, and layout are most likely to create a “comfortable environment that considers their sensory, physical, and emotional needs”.
Adjustable blinds, dimmable lighting, and “careful acoustic design” are also understood to feature throughout the centre to help reduce sensory overload.
"We are incredibly pleased to open the RISE,” said John Laramy CBE DL, Exeter and North Devon Colleges group principal and CEO.
“This brilliant new building shows what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared ambition for young people.
"The RISE is an important part of our commitment to our learners with SEND - the leaders and staff have created a truly magical environment for our students.
“We will continue working with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that we play our part in making sure young people in Devon can access exceptional education that supports their ambitions, whatever that may be."
Mr Laramy attended the centre’s opening event, alongside representatives from Devon County Council, on Thursday, November 5.
“With the support of Devon County Council, we have created a specialist environment designed around our learners and their needs, giving more young people the opportunity to develop their skills, confidence and independence,” he said.
Exeter College received £5.3 million from Devon County Council toward the opening of the inclusive centre.
Council chair, Councillor Rosie Dawson, who attended on Thursday, said: “I’m honoured to open this new building. By working in partnership, not only with Exeter College but with young people with special educational needs, we’re building not just facilities but positive futures.”