A SPECIALIST college for young people with autism has appointed a new principal.
Jonathan Bell will head Bankside College which offers teaching for autistic young people aged 16 to 25 and those with learning difficulties and other complex needs.
The college, in Hanley Caslte, Worcestershire, opened last year and is expanding with plans to open Bankside School for 11 to 16-year-olds.
Jonathan, who has over 27 years of experience in education, said: “I’m very excited about my new post.
“I’ve been busy getting to know the students and their families, and working closely with the incredible team here at Bankside, to make every student’s college experience the best it can be.
“The state-of-the-art new school will cater for sixty pupils.
“The school and college will provide the unique opportunity for continuous specialist education for students from 11-25 years-old, meeting all their sensory, therapeutic, communication and “educational needs and providing them with the best start in “life.”
Bankside College, part of Options Autism, welcomes students from across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Birmingham and Warwickshire as the demand for specialist further education increases.
Jonathan added: “Our purpose built sensory rooms, small class-sizes and 1-1 assistance, ensure our students’ sensory and therapeutic needs are met.
“ll our staff are trained in a Trauma Informed Approach, alongside Options Autism’s ‘Ask, Accept, Develop’ strategy so they are best equipped to support their students.
“The on-site Clinical Team which comprises a Speech and Language Therapist, Assistant Psychologist and Occupational Therapist, provide expert care, advice and guidance.
“We recognise the importance of opportunities outside the college and support inclusion in mainstream services and the local community.”
To make an appointment to visit Bankside College, or attend it’s open evening on Thursday 22nd June between 3:30 and 6:30pm, email [email protected] or call 01684 649722.
