Jane Asher, renowned actress and president of The National Autistic Society, officially opened the Priory Group’s new specialist education facilities in south west London.
The Priory Lodge School is a purpose-built day school for young people with autistic spectrum disorders, in particular Asperger’s Syndrome and associated learning difficulties. It is situated in the grounds of the existing Priory Hospital Roehampton.
The first students are expected to start attending the school in September 2010.
The spacious and modern building has been specifically designed to accommodate up to 40 young people with autistic spectrum disorders and Asperger’s Syndrome.
The classrooms have been planned for specialist subjects including information technology, art, food technology, science and music, together with exclusive sensory and therapy rooms/suites or studios.
The Priory Lodge School is also uniquely placed to benefit from the extensive therapy and specialist mental health services provided at the Priory Hospital Roehampton. Staff and students will also work closely with the child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and experienced educational psychologists.
The school’s location opens it up to a wide area, only seven miles from central London but with easy access from the A3, M2, M4, M25 and M40.
Helen Sharpe, managing director of Priory Education Services said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome Jane Asher to The Priory Lodge School. Her work with the National Autistic Society has done a lot to break down barriers and raise awareness of issues surrounding the condition.
“Priory Lodge offers an alternative to residential education, allowing students to access high quality specialist education and to develop independence and social skills whilst living in their home environment.
“Priory Education Services has an excellent reputation for delivering the highest levels of education and care to young people with autistic spectrum disorders, Asperger’s Syndrome, behavioural, emotional and social difficulties,dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia. The group includes specialist schools, further education colleges and children’s homes together with an emergency placement unit, adult care homes and fostering services.
“Priory Lodge School will be an excellent addition to these services and will provide a positive educational experience for young people across London and the surrounding areas.”
David Curry, principal of The Priory Lodge School said: “The aim at The Priory Lodge School will be to provide and support each student with a personalised programme to meet their individual needs, according to their skills and abilities.
“I am looking forward to the challenges and rewards ahead as we welcome our first intake of young people.”
The event was also attended by Philip Scott, chief executive of the Priory Group, Helen Sharpe managing director of Priory Education Services and specially invited guests.
ENDS
CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 383886
Pic caption: left to right – Philip Scott, chief executive Priory Group, Helen Sharpe, managing director of Priory Education Services, David Curry, principal of The Priory Lodge School and Jane Asher cut a cake specially commissioned from Jane Asher Cakes for the occasion
The Priory Group is Europe's leading independent provider of acute mental health services, secure and step-down services, specialist education, complex care and neuro-rehabilitation services, working in partnership with the public and independent sectors.
Priory's acute psychiatric hospitals offer a comprehensive range of successful, evidence-based inpatient, outpatient and day patient treatment programmes and therapy services for a wide variety of mental health issues, including depression, addictions, eating disorders and child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).
Priory Secure Services is a specialist provider of secure mental health services working in partnership with the NHS.
Priory's complex care hospitals and neuro-rehabilitation centres treat people with enduring mental and physical illnesses, restricted mobility and challenging behaviours that are often the result of organic, degenerative or neurological problems and whose needs cannot be met in conventional environments. Priory's neuro-rehabilitation centres care for people with a wide range of acquired or progressive neurological disorders, including brain injuries and illness, spinal injuries, brain haemorrhages and stroke.
Priory Education Services is the UK's leading independent provider of specialist education and care for children and young people aged four to 35 with Asperger's Syndrome (AS), autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD) and specific learning difficulties associated with dyslexia.
The Priory Group is developing a range of high quality care homes offering long-term, short-term and respite nursing care for older people who are physically frail or suffering with dementia related disorders