Cleaswell Hill School’s “The Appleby Centre” is now open and ready to transform lives
September 29 was a very good day indeed. Not because it was a Friday, or because the weather was decent, or even because it was National Coffee Day.
No, September 29 was one for the books because Cleaswell Hill, an outstanding day community special school in Guide Post, officially opened its new satellite site!
The Appleby Centre provides an inspirational educational facility for thirty students with special educational needs and disabilities.
The life-changing centre has a focus on the promotion of independence, life skills, vocational skills and preparation for adulthood, and bridges the gap between school, work, and post-16 provision.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “We’re really pleased to hear that The Appleby Centre has officially opened its doors and is ready to offer transformative support to students in need.
“All of our region’s pupils deserve the chance to excel and the necessary environment to enable this to happen. Cleaswell Hill’s new satellite site will be instrumental in making this a reality for hundreds of students for years to come.
“We’re really looking forward to following their journey, and can’t wait for all the achievements we’ll no doubt be celebrating together!”
Taking learning to the next level
The building, extensively refurbished by ID Construction & Joinery and Steven Kirk Architectural Services, has three key vocational areas, including rooms focused on performing arts, STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and core skills.
When the weather is behaving, students can also enjoy an outdoor space around the building, which includes a poly tunnel and even an allotment! We look forward to hearing horticulture and Duke of Edinburgh stories as a result of this space.
Lynn Watson OBE commented: “Cleaswell Hill SEND school has a dynamic vision for an aspirant sixth form provision which supports pioneering approaches to the education of its oldest students.
“Leaders have worked with the LA to provide a bespoke centre which will provide opportunities to extend the school’s curriculum offer within the context of optimising independence in adulthood.
“Students will gain experience of work related learning in a dedicated base.”
A very special name with special connotations
The Appleby Centre takes its name after Cleaswell Hill School’s former long-term employee and local resident, Christine Appleby, who sadly passed away last year.
Christine was an extremely popular member of staff whose energy, commitment, and enthusiasm for supporting and educating children with special educational needs and
disabilities were second to none.
During Christine’s 23 years of employment at Cleaswell, she worked across the age and ability range of the school, most recently playing a vital role in developing the school’s provision
for its most complex pupils.
The Appleby Centre was officially opened by Christine’s family on Friday 29 September, and was a touching moment for many.
The event was attended by school staff members, governors, supporters from the local community, local member of parliament Ian Lavery, and representatives from Northumberland County Council, including David Street.
Christine’s family stated: “As a family we would like to thank everyone involved with the project and making the Centre a great place, especially Christine’s colleagues and friends.
“Christine loved working at Cleaswell Hill and was extremely committed in her role teaching and caring for the pupils with a passion for promoting progression to adulthood.
“Christine would be honoured and delighted that the Centre has been named in her memory and even more thrilled that it will be the pupils who will benefit most from the facility for years to come”
Mike Jackson, Head Teacher, said: “The Appleby Centre is an exciting addition to our provision at Cleaswell Hill School, providing our older pupils with new learning opportunities and supporting their transition into adulthood.
“I hope that the provision proves to be a fitting tribute to Christine, a greatly missed colleague and friend.”
Yes, September 29 2023 will be remembered as a special day for years to come! An incredible initiative with a beautiful story attached to it. Good luck on your new journey, Cleaswell Hill, and good luck to everybody involved.
Cleaswell Hill School is a Schools North East Partner School . If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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