Construction has started on the new Transitional Learning Centre on Bexley Road in Eltham, providing a dedicated learning environment for young adults aged 19 to 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
With a growing demand for SEND educational facilities across the country, the Royal Borough of Greenwich is investing in services that help young people transition successfully into adulthood. The centre will provide much-needed specialist support for young adults with SEND, helping them develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to live as independently as possible and access employment opportunities wherever possible.
London South East Colleges (LSEC) has been appointed to operate the new centre when it opens in autumn next year. Through a tailored programme of specialist education and training, LSEC will support learners to develop communication and social skills, preparing them for the next stage of their lives, whether that is further training, work, volunteering or greater independence in their communities.
The centre will provide 1,116 square metres of modern teaching and learning space, alongside specialist outdoor learning areas designed to support young adults with additional learning needs.
Cllr Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Post-16 Futures, said: "Every child and young person in Royal Greenwich deserves the opportunity to succeed and thrive. As demand for SEND provision continues to grow, we are investing in high-quality specialist facilities that help ensure children and young people can access the support they need closer to home. The Bexley Road Transitional Learning Centre will provide a supportive and inclusive environment where young people with additional needs can develop their confidence, build skills for adulthood and gain the preparation they need for greater independence, employment and active participation in their communities."
Redesigned by Pozzoni Architecture, the new centre will feature outdoor breakout spaces that support sensory learning experiences, as well as horticultural and skills-based training areas that promote both educational achievement and positive mental wellbeing.
The Royal Borough of Greenwich has appointed Galliford Try to undertake the works through the Southern Construction Framework, with the support of Pick Everard and Haverstock.
Cllr Tom Creswell, Cabinet Member for Planning and Development, said: "The start of construction on the Bexley Road Transitional Learning Centre marks another important milestone in our efforts to invest in the future of young people across Royal Greenwich.
"This specialist centre demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality community infrastructure that meets the needs of local residents. We are pleased to be delivering another project that will have a lasting and positive impact on families and young people, whatever their background.”
Cllr Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Communities said: "We know that for many young people with SEND and their families, the transition from education into adulthood can feel like a cliff edge, with concerns about what support, opportunities and pathways will be available once they leave school or college.
“This new centre will help bridge that gap. By focusing on building practical skills, confidence and greater independence, it will support young people to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling adult lives. Importantly, it will also provide reassurance to families that their loved ones can continue developing the skills and confidence they need beyond compulsory education to thrive".
Dr Sam Parrett CBE DL, Group Principal and CEO of Elevare Civic Education Group, said: "Congratulations to the Royal Borough of Greenwich on the start of construction at Bexley Road. This is a fantastic investment in specialist provision for young people with SEND, and exactly the kind of high-quality, purpose-built facility our region needs. We look forward to seeing the Bexley Road Transitional Learning Centre open its doors to learners."
Gavin Bridge, Managing Director for Galliford Try Building Southern, said: "We are delighted to have started work on the Bexley Road Transitional Learning Centre and to be supporting the Royal Borough of Greenwich in delivering this important educational facility. The new centre will provide a high-quality, purpose-built environment that will enable young people with SEND to develop valuable skills, gain confidence and access specialist support within a modern learning setting."
Matthew Daly, Associate Director - Project Management at Pick Everard, said: "Through building better together in education, we can help ensure young people have the support they need to navigate their way into independent adulthood. This purpose-built, safe and structured transitional learning centre will provide a place where individual talents and gifts can be nurtured, and potential can be realised.
"Through close collaboration with everyone involved, from the local authority to the operator, the architects and the wider community, we are looking forward to helping create a space that meets needs and expectations, enables smooth co-ordination of services and acts as a gateway to future success and opportunity for young people."