Our Patron, HRH the
Duchess of Cornwall
Hello and welcome to the West of England School and College website!
We’ve been providing education and care for young people with visual impairment since 1838. Only just recently we’ve been designated a High Performing Specialist School by the Department for Children, Schools and Families and Ofsted inspectors are equally impressed with what we provide.
The School Inspection report states: The excellent ethos of care and support among the whole school community enables pupils to thrive and develop into mature young people. Pupils’ enjoyment of school life is outstanding as is their awareness of the importance of leading healthy lifestyles.
The report also quotes a parent as saying: “The school makes an exceptional difference to the lives of these children”.
But don’t just take our word for it. Click on the videos and hear what the learners think.
Audio Prospectus:
Transcription: Audio prospectus
FIVE FANTASTIC SKYDIVERS
Five thrill-seekers jumped 15,000ft out of a plane on Saturday 10th July to raise money for the West of England School and College at Dunkeswell Airfield in Honiton. Lucy Greenberry and Kristina Torokova from the Exeter Golf and Country Club, Sammy Conibere from Haines Watts, Carole Goddard from the West of England School and College and Sally Jeffery all bravely took to the skies, freefalling and parachuting almost three miles to raise money for us.
Well done to everyone.
If you would like to jump for us on Sunday 19th September please call 01392 454 334.
LOCAL ACCOUNTANTS GET ARTISTIC IN AID OF CHARITY
Exeter based chartered accountants Haines Watts swapped their calculators for inks and rollers to create works of art for their newly refurbished boardroom which they intend to hire out to other companies to raise money for the West of England School and College for young people with little or no sight.
Haines Watts which offers advice to small and medium size businesses, delivering financial and taxation solutions to clients, occupies prestigious offices on Southernhay West. The company is looking to offer their newly refurbished boardroom to local businesses to hold meetings, interviews and presentations for a nominal fee with all monies going directly to support us as their selected 'Charity of the Year'.
Laura Sperring, Head of Fundraising and PR said "We are so pleased to be Haines Watts charity of the year! Haines Watts has already come up with some great fundraising ideas for the year ahead and we are really looking forward to working together to raise money for the young people at our school and college."
For more information or to book the room please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Picture shows Fern Stephens, Dave Mitchell, Caroline Thomas, Lisa Crockford and Jon French from Haines Watts.
WNW Design's 10th birthday marks exciting new charitable initiative
Exmouth based website design company, WNW Design, is celebrating its 10th birthday this month with a very special initiative to raise money for our charity.
WNW Design has been supporting clients' websites since the millennium and to celebrate their 10th year in business they will be donating £100 to our charity for each new webhosting client throughout 2010.
WNW Design director Nigel Wilkinson said "Instead of a big party to mark our birthday we wanted to do something different and give something back to our community."
Robin Rhoderick-Jones, West of England trustee said: "I have been involved with the West of England for 20 years and this is the first initiative of its kind I can remember. Our grateful thanks go to WNW Design for their generosity."
Short Term Breaks (July and August)
From 5pm July 23rd to 6th August 2010, The West of England School and College is offering short term breaks for young people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and complex needs. The opportunities will provide new and exciting experiences for the young people using the service.
Set in 14 acres just outside Exeter and close to the M5, our facilities include a 25 metre heated indoor pool plus hydrotherapy pool, which has hoists for easy access, sports hall and gym, a sensory room fitted with the latest technology including Sound Beam, a state of the art radio station where guests can become DJ's for the day.
With our partners we will also be able to provide a variety of stimulating and challenging activities such as Art and Design, Sport and Independent Living Skills. Activities will be tailored to individual requirements.
Depending on demand, this new service will continue during holiday periods from September 2010.
Any parent or carer interested in finding out more please contact Paula Lahey on 01392 454209.
A residents view...
I am a resident at the West of England College and what I enjoy most of all, is having the opportunity to go out during the weekends on educational trips that are organised by either the students or the members of staff that are working on the weekends.
(Scott)
One parent's view...
Jennie is happy to go to College and talks about it a great deal. She is now more confident and seems more mature. Jennie is definitely more independent now and is willing to try out a range of skills/tasks at home. The College have made her achieve this.
(Parent)
Why not get involved in one of our fundraising events?
- 15,000ft sponsored skydive - All participants need is the determination to raise £395 in sponsorship and have a taste for heights - Sunday 19th September 2010
- Funraisers Dragon Boat Festival - Teamwork, co-ordination and rhythm all help but many teams get by without any of them; fancy-dress is encouraged but all that’s essential is a sense of humour! - Sunday 26th September 2010
- Dartmoor Vales Races - marathon, half-marathon and 10k - Sunday 17th October 2010
See our Events page for more information.