Lambeth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – London South East Colleges (LSEC) opened the Nido Volans Centre in Lambeth with special support to 40 adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The centre offers specialist provision to 19-25-year-olds. Helen Hayes, the local MP and chair of the Education Select Committee, attended the event together with representatives from the London Borough of Lambeth, the Department for Education, college governors, companies, and charities.
The new Nido Volans Lambeth building, which is situated in West Norwood, provides staff and students with an excellent learning environment.
The aim of the provision is to enable local young adults with a variety of special education needs and disabilities to acquire the skills necessary to become independent and advance into the workforce.
Why did the DfE requested LSEC to take over the provision?
After receiving an inadequate rating from Ofsted, the DfE requested that London South East Colleges take over the provision in February 2023. It was renamed Nido Volans Lambeth (formerly Michael Tippett College), and the facility has undergone a comprehensive renovation in collaboration with Lambeth Local Authority.
When Ofsted visited a year later, they reported that great strides had been made in every area, from leadership to the introduction of a challenging curriculum for all students.
The failed Michael Tippett School was taken over and renamed Heron Academy by the London South East Academies Trust, which is a member of the same Education Group as the College. This has also improved quickly, ensuring that local SEND students aged 11 to 19 can get education and care before moving on to Nido Volans Lambeth’s Further Education program.
Dr. Sam Parrett CBE, Group CEO of London South East Colleges, welcomed attendees to the occasion and talked about this remarkable journey.
Helen Hayes MP presided over a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling of a plaque. After touring the new facility, attendees had the chance to talk to faculty and students.
Helen Hayes, Abrilli Phillip (Director of Education at Lambeth LA), Claire Burton (DfE Regional Director), Alison Ismail (DfE Director of SEND and AP), LSEC and LSEAT senior officials, and college governors participated in a roundtable discussion prior to the main event.
The difficulties and possibilities of the current SEND system were discussed, along with potential revisions.
What were the five key areas discussed during the meeting?
An emphasis on local, place-based service, parental choice, inclusivity, cooperation, and destinations/employment results were among the five key areas discussed during the meeting.
The need for more equal SEND funding, the significance of early intervention and prioritizing the EYFS, and the existing accountability and assessment procedures for schools and colleges that have a detrimental effect on inclusion were among the topics raised by attendees.
A local answer was provided by the progression pathway between Heron Academy and Nido Volans, which was cited as an example of best practice.
Summing up the event, Helen Hayes MP said: “I am so pleased to be here today to celebrate such successful collaboration in my constituency, between the Local Authority and London & South East Education Group.
It is inspirational to see what can be done, in the heart of a community, to deliver a system that enables every SEND learner to thrive and benefit from opportunities.
As Chair of the Education Select Committee, as well as being the local MP, the insight that has been shared today by so many experts is very helpful in the context of the Committee’s work on both SEND and Further Education. Many congratulations to everyone involved, it has been a pleasure to meet wonderful staff and learners today.”
She said that SEND is the single biggest challenge within the education system, and a cross-party group of MPs is focused on not only articulating the scope of this challenge to the government but also come up with solutions.
She added that the FE is a crucial part of the system and must be made a priority. They need to break down the barriers for SEND learners, not only in education but in employment too – and it is great to hear about the success of Nido Volans Lambeth in this regard.
Group CEO of London South East Colleges, Dr Sam Parrett CBE, said:
“As an Education Group, we are incredibly proud of Nido Volans Lambeth and the transformation that has taken place here. With exceptional support from Lambeth Local Authority, together we have created much needed, high-quality provision for young people in the Borough with SEND.
Not only that, but with the work we are undertaking at Heron Academy – we have developed a pathway which enables young people with SEND to be educated in their own community, giving parents and families peace of mind that their needs can be met locally.
With a focus on independent living and employability skills, learners are progressing successfully into adulthood and achieving their full potential.”
He said that this place-based model is both innovative and an important solution in helping to solve the many challenges within the current SEND system. They are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase this to our guests today, including the policymakers and stakeholders who we are working so closely with.
Their aim is to transform lives through the power of learning and to do this, collaboration with partners is essential. He thanked everyone who has been part of our journey here in Lambeth over the past two years – including the outstanding staff teams and our students.
What is the background of LSEC?
One of the top providers of further and higher education, London South East Colleges has seven campuses in Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, and Lambeth, including three Nido Volans centers.
The College offers more than 13,000 students a variety of degree programs, apprenticeships, and vocational courses that are tailored to the demands of the industry and employers.
The College is dedicated to changing lives via education and is a key player in fostering social mobility by giving students from all walks of life the chance to realize their full potential.
With its cutting-edge facilities and relationships with universities and employers, the institution gives students the tools, opportunity, and self-assurance they need to succeed in both their personal and professional lives.
The College sponsors the London South East Academies Trust and is a member of the London & South East Education Group.
There are currently 13 mainstream, special, and alternative provision schools spread over Bromley, Bexley, Surrey, and Lambeth under this expanding and prosperous Multi-Academy Trust.
The LASER Education Foundation is a foundation that the group just established. Through a variety of educational programs and initiatives, this organization aids underprivileged children and their families around the region. The group, which has a total turnover of c£100m, has big aspirations for expansion.