Margot James congratulates Sunfield on Ofsted results
24th July 2009
Cllr. Liz Walker and Margot James visited Sunfield to mark the charity’s excellent Ofsted report which rated them as excellent to outstanding. A morning spent touring the residential centre and the new school’s facilities confirmed the verdict of the Ofsted Inspectorate.
Liz and Margot were greeted by members of the student council, and were presented with beautifully made bird nesting boxes by Reggie and Corlel.
Sunfield provides education and residential care to children who have severe autism and complex learning needs. The new school will open next year and has stunning modern architectural features. Reggie and Corlel were very excited about moving in to their new classrooms.
With classes of six, twenty four hour care and 400 staff, Sunfield is an expensive operation to run and Local Authorities have to spend just under £200,000 per child for 52 week residential care. Sadly this means that most parents have to battle through the legal system to get their child a place. Which is of course the story of the lives of so many families who have children with severe special needs.
Amongst the many services offered by Sunfield are Family Services where families and friends of children who live at the centre can stay and spend quality time with their child.
Catriona O’Malley (principal) and her team of specialists provide a truly excellent and specialist service to children and families in great need of care and support.
Photos: Margot with Cllr Liz Walker and student council members Reggie and Corlel; and Margot with Catriona O'Malley, Director of Services at Sunfield.
