Justin Tomlinson MP and Cllr. Toby Elliott have visited The Uplands Educational Trust to discuss the school's recent success and its plans for the future.
The Trust is doing inspiring work in helping young people, irrespective of their special educational needs, to shape their own future and make a meaningful contribution to the local community. One of the ways in which the Trust does this is through their Uplands Charity and Coffee Shops. These provide valuable retail and catering work experience in a real life, safe environment, where the young people are given the chance to take part in all aspects of running a shop, from pricing and servicing customers, to cleaning and sorting the donations.
Uplands School teaches students aged between 11 and 19 with severe or profound multiple learning difficulties and/or Autistic Spectrum Condition. Uplands provides innovative and stimulating learning experiences and opportunities, as well as exceptional care, support and guidance in a safe and nurturing community. Earlier this month, as a result of their fantastic work, the School was awarded the United Kingdom School of the Year at the Times Educational Supplement school awards ceremony; the TES Awards are the largest school awards ceremony in the country and recognise the outstanding contributions made by education provisions across the country.
Approximately 1% of people in the South West require special educational needs; in Swindon, the percentage is much greater at 4%. It is therefore of the utmost importance that communities, businesses, group and individuals alike come together to help organisations including the Uplands Educational Trust and Uplands School continue to do their vital work. Both the Trust and the School are always looking for willing volunteers to assist – whether that is becoming a Governor to help mould the future of the organisation, donating unwanted goods to one of their shops or by working with the Trust to help them expand.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: "The Uplands Educational Trust and Uplands School are an absolute credit to our local community; I am glad to see them receiving the recognition they deserve. One of most fulfilling aspects of being the Minister for Disabled People is visiting and witnessing first-hand the hard work of many superb organisations across the UK, helping those most in need within society. It was great being able to go and see one on our doorstep in North Swindon on Friday when Genti Mullaliu, Head of Centre, and Jackie Smith, Executive Headteacher, invited me to visit the Uplands Educational Trust in Stratton."
