Activate Learning has welcomed the first learners to The Glade, a new specialist post-16 education hub for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Developed in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council, The Glade opened in September at the former Wokingham Library in Denmark Street.
The first provision of its kind in the borough, it supports learners aged 16 to 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), with plans to accommodate 40 learners by 2028.
The opening supports Activate Learning’s commitment to delivering specialist education where communities need it most and enabling more young people to access personalised learning closer to home.
Michelle Parks, Group Director of Lifeskills at Activate Learning, said: “Young people with SEND should be able to see a future for themselves within their own community. The Glade will help make that possible, delivering on our strategic ambition to extend specialist education where it is needed most.
“The Glade will draw on all the outstanding expertise that sits behind our high needs provision, helping learners to develop their strengths and achieve their aspirations.
“Whether their ambition is to gain qualifications, move into paid work or live more independently, The Glade will provide the support and challenge to help them achieve it.”
Learning at The Glade is shaped around each young person’s strengths, needs and aspirations, combining education with therapeutic and pastoral support to help them overcome barriers to learning and prepare for adulthood.
The approach is underpinned by Activate Learning’s award-winning Learning Philosophy, which brings together an understanding of the brain, motivation and emotions. This means helping learners feel safe and supported, connecting learning with their interests and ambitions, and providing opportunities to practise and develop their skills.
Learners can follow three tailored pathways:
- Engagement: building confidence, independence and readiness for learning.
- Employment: including Supported Internships and preparation for paid work.
- Academic progression: supporting learners to achieve recognised qualifications.
English, maths and digital literacy form part of the core learning programme, alongside opportunities to develop practical skills and gain experience of the workplace.
For example, the learner-led Broadleaf Café will offer practical work experience and opportunities to gain industry-recognised qualifications. This will help young people apply their learning in a working environment and develop the confidence and skills needed to prepare for employment.
Wokingham Borough Council handed over the building’s keys to Activate Learning before the start of term, following completion of the redevelopment.
Cllr Prue Bray, Executive Member for Children’s Services and Deputy Leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said: “The handover of the keys to Activate Learning marks a significant milestone in our commitment to ensuring more children and young people with SEND can access the specialist support they need close to home.
“We are delighted that The Glade is already supporting its first learners, having opened in September, and we look forward to seeing it grow to accommodate 40 learners by 2028. This is a fantastic investment in the future of SEND education in Wokingham Borough and a step towards creating more opportunities for local families.”
The Glade’s facilities include academic, multi-skills, creative and digital, and care and health learning spaces, alongside a serenity room, gym and café.
Activate Learning students chose the hub’s name. A glade is an open area in a forest where light comes through the canopy, reflecting a bright and welcoming place to learn while recognising Wokingham’s historic links with Windsor Forest.
Young people, parents and carers are invited to visit The Glade on Wednesday 14 October, from 4.30pm to 7pm, to explore the facilities, meet teaching and student support staff, and find out more about the learning pathways available.
Register for the open event on Eventbrite.
Placements at The Glade are agreed through the EHCP and local authority referral process.
Find out more about The Glade and how to express interest.