Telford College of Arts and Technology has secured a Big Lottery Fund grant worth nearly £10,000 to help kit out a new multi-sensory room on the campus.
The college applied for cash to buy equipment for The Willow Tree Centre, a new £1.8 million building currently under construction, which will provide specialist facilities for learners with complex needs and disabilities.
Post-16 pupils currently based at Bridge School in Hadley in Telford will be relocated to the new complex when it opens its doors in September.
The Big Lottery money will pay for equipment such as bubble columns, fibre optic carpet, lights and music systems for the centre’s multi-sensory room.
Edward Bird, TCAT’s assistant principal, explained: “The room is for individuals and groups of young people with complex, severe and profound multiple difficulties, to enable them to develop their confidence, sense of wellbeing and engagement in learning.
“The room will also be made available as an out of college hours social club based at Willow Tree, as the project progresses.”
He added: “TCAT have worked closely with the Bridge School and parents and carers, to identify reliable and effective sensory equipment which stimulates young people and gives them a rare opportunity to feel control over their environment.
“Telford College has been exploring ways of providing further post 16 specialist provision for learners with more profound and multiple difficulties and needs since 2011.
“This new development will add to the inclusive nature of the college, as it will provide education from entry level to foundation degree students.”
Shropshire Live is regulated by