RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning
| Established | 1957 |
|---|---|
| Type | Special school |
| Location |
Wheelwright Lane Ash Green near Coventry Warwickshire CV7 9RA England Coordinates: 52°27′22″N 1°30′24″W / 52.4561°N 1.5066°W |
| DfE URN | 122155 Tables |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Gender | Coeducational |
| Ages | 2–19 |
| Website | RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning |
RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning is a school and children’s home for young people who are blind or partially sighted and who also have multiple disabilities or complex needs such as severe or profound learning disabilities, physical disabilities, additional sensory impairment, healthcare needs and autistic spectrum disorders.
The children's home at RNIB Pears Centre offers up to 52-week specialised residential care from new purpose-built bungalows with gardens and outdoor play areas. The children's home supports young people from ages 0-19 years, whether or not the attend the school and each young person has their own bedroom which is made safe and personal to them.
RNIB Pears Centre is categorised by Ofsted as a special, non-maintained school for 2 to 19 year olds and as a children's home. Each service is inspected independently of one another by Ofsted. The children's home has been rated as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted since November 2011. The school has also achieved its 'Outstanding' Ofsted grading in the most recent inspection meaning RNIB Pears Centre is an "Outstanding" provider in all areas. [1] RNIB Pears Centre also offers individually tailored therapies from an in-house team of therapists and healthcare consultants, including behavioural specialists trained in the care of people with learning disabilities, nurses, phsiotherapists and speech and language therapists.
The school was previously known as Rushton Hall School and then RNIB Rushton School and Children’s Home. In May 2011 the name changed to RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning – the new name reflects the donation and support given to the school by the Pears Foundation.[2]
The school is run by RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People). It is based just outside Coventry.
History
The school was founded in 1957, at Rushton Hall in Northamptonshire. In 2002, the school moved to a shared site with Exhall Grange School in Coventry.[3]
In 2005, planning began for a major redevelopment of the entire school site. The redevelopment was finished in 2012.[3]
Redevelopment
Planning to redevelop the site began in 2005 and work started in 2009.[4] The first phase of work was completed during 2011. This involved a new school, five new bungalows and a new reception/administration building.
The second phase was completed in 2012. Empty buildings were knocked down and the site landscaped. The centre was officially opened on 13 September 2012 by The Princess Royal.[5] Further development in the future may include more accommodation, a hydrotherapy suite and a swimming pool.[6]
Rushton and Pears
In May 2011, Rushton School and Children’s Home was renamed RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning. This is due to the Pears Foundation’s investment of £1.1 million towards the redevelopment work.[7]
References
- ↑ Ofsted website
- ↑ Pears Foundation website
- 1 2 RNIB website - About RNIB Pears Centre
- ↑ Coventry Telegraph Article
- ↑ "HRH The Princess Royal officially opens RNIB Pears Centre". RNIB. 13 September 2012. Retrieved 14 September 2012.
- ↑ RNIB website - transforming RNIB Pears Centre
- ↑ RNIB website - Partnership with Pears Foundation