“I was delighted to open the STEP Centre, which provides a wonderful new resource for students of Ryburn Valley School. It was moving to meet the students and hear from them what a difference it is making. One student described the centre as like her “second home”, and it so clearly reflects the values of kindness and respect at the heart of the vision for the school.”
The new STEP Centre at Ryburn Valley High School, Sowerby Bridge, was officially opened by Chief Executive of Calderdale Council, Robin Tuddenham, on Friday 6 December.
The STEP Centre offers facilities for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). As well as classrooms used for Personal Learning, Literacy and Vocational Skills, STEP also includes the innovative new Nurture Room. This cosy home-like space is based on the six principles of nurture, and helps students develop social, emotional and communication skills, breaking down barriers to learning. Following rearrangements, the building, formerly used as the Media Block, has been in use since October.
Ryburn has 271 students identified as having Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities. Along with support within mainstream lessons, the dedicated extra space helps to continue and develop the school’s excellent provision of support for students with additional needs.
“Our vision for the STEP Centre was to produce an additional provision that offered nurturing support for our students and it is wonderful to see that happening. We are grateful to local businesses and members of the community who supported the creation of the new centre through donations of items.”
