News Archive

Outstanding Ofsted Results for Our Schools Residential Provision

In the last 6 months, we’re pleased to announce that 4 of the SENAD Group specialist schools have been judged as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted Care.

Alderwasley Hall Schools inspection took place in March, Pegasus Schools inspection took place in February, Bladon House Schools residential provision was judged outstanding in November 2024, with Maple View School receiving an outstanding grade in December 2024.

Benefits of residential placements:

  • Our schools are highly specialized, meaning that children and young people come to the school from across the UK, making daily travel impossible
  • There is reduced stress and anxiety for the child without the daily travel to and from school
  • The consistency of approach across education and non-education time strengthens positive outcomes and improves children’s progress
  • The home environments are designed to meet the specific needs of the children and are staffed to reduce anxiety, promote independence, and keep children safe
  • All the homes make use of specialized onsite recreational activities

Residential placements can be extremely flexible to meet the needs of the child and their family.

For example, some children stay at the school Monday to Thursday and travel home Friday for the weekend; others do this fortnightly or once a month. Other children stay during term time and go home every half term, others go home at the end of each term. We are also able to provide up to 52-week accommodation.

The schools work closely with families to maintain and, in some cases, rebuild relationships, giving families strategies to support their child at home. Parents and carers are also very welcome to visit their children on weekends. Care staff help make these arrangements and can help with accommodation and places to visit for the day.

“Excellent relationships with parents and carers are central to ensure successful residential stays. Effective communication reassures parents and carers. One parent said ‘This children’s home has exceeded expectations’”. Pegasus School Ofsted Care Inspection Report February 2025

Wrapped up in Christmas Jumpers for a Winter Walk

On Thursday 12th December, SENAD Community West Midlands organised a community walk open to their service users and support staff. A group gathered at a local country park for their walk and had a lovely time reflecting on the year they have had and the upcoming festivities. With it being national Christmas Jumper Day, some even chose to wear their best Christmas Jumpers while others chatted to members of their wider community as they passed! The group joined each other at the end of the walk in the local coffee shop to enjoy a warm drink and continue socialising. It demonstrated the unwavering strength of the diverse and welcoming culture that SENAD Community foster within their own ‘SENAD community.’ There were many smiles, laughs, conversations and interactions shared between all in attendance. We look forward to our next community walk on Christmas Eve and continuing them into the New Year. 

World Mental Health Day at Bladon House School

On Thursday, October 10th, 2024, Bladon House School participated in ‘Hello Yellow’ for World Mental Health Day. Students and staff added yellow items to their outfits, with some wearing yellow jumpers or T-shirts, many adding a splash of yellow, and one or two arriving in yellow onesies.

Students took opportunities throughout the week to reflect on the things that make them feel happy and to recognise the people they can speak to about their feelings. The students were able to write down, draw and discuss lots of activities, experiences, items, and people that make them feel happy and safe. 

Following the event, Hello Yellow, sent the following message:

“A Massive THANK YOU for taking part in Hello Yellow and standing with us in support of young people’s mental health. Because of you, we united with 9863 schools, workplaces, and communities across the UK, showing young people everywhere that brighter days are ahead.”

It was an excellent day and one that will become a fixture on the school calendar.

Staff Donate to Local Food Bank

The SENAD Community staff team has recently completed a food drive for the local food bank, @coventry_foodbank who have collected a fantastic 8 crates full of food today.

The team has been donating food, as well as money, which we have used to go and purchase the items that the food bank has highlighted are in high demand (long-life milk, tinned tomatoes, cereals)

‘Hi Laura Please thank everyone for the donation received today for the food bank. The grand total of the weight donated was 127.4kg!’

Spooky Spectacular Party For Service Users

This year SENAD Community & Ecclesbourne Lodge had a joint Halloween party

The party was held at the @thejohnwhitecommunitycentre Community Centre, who kindly decorated the room for us.

Mandy Waters (one of our Derby-based support workers) provided a disco/karaoke, which was amazing and had everyone up dancing and singing.

We also had a lovely buffet provided by Sarnies and Daisy Jane’s Face Painting

joined us, which was as fabulous as usual.

A partygoer said to her ‘I’m so glad you’ve come to the party again, I love having this done’.

Thank you to everyone for making it such a lovely event.

Spring Term 2024 at Rowden

February 2024

As they say in the movies…. that’s a wrap!

We have all enjoyed a very busy and interesting first term 2024 at Rowden.

We have enjoyed learning something new every day.

We have enjoyed studying in the class room, the leisure barn, outside in our outdoor learning area and enjoyed our off campus work experience.

In fact, we have had so much fun, we cannot believe it’s half term!

But we are not slowing down for one moment. We have plenty of fun activities planned for the half-term holidays, along with the Chinese New Year Celebrations and our annual Valentine’s Disco!

Celebrating 20 years of Unwavering Commitment

For the past 20 years, Ian Lineker has been a cornerstone of the SENAD Community team, bringing unparalleled dedication, enthusiasm, and care to his roles. Starting as a support worker and growing into team leader and trainer positions, Ian has worn many hats, each with an unwavering commitment to the people he supports and the colleagues he mentors.

Ian’s journey began two decades ago when he joined SENAD with a passion for making a real difference in people’s lives. From day one, he stood out for his heartfelt approach to care, showing an instinctive ability to connect with each individual he supports. Over the years, Ian has cultivated not only his skill set but also the hearts and minds of those around him. He is known for his patience, his ability to listen deeply, and his relentless optimism. No matter the challenge, Ian brings a sense of calm and positivity that reassures everyone he meets.

As a support worker, Ian was constantly thinking of ways to enhance the lives of those in his care. Whether it was helping someone build new skills, encouraging personal growth, or simply being a trusted staff member, Ian has always believed in the potential of each person. His colleagues remember him as someone who could bring out a smile in anyone, even on their toughest days. This empathy and genuine interest in others earned him a reputation as a dependable carer.

Ian’s transition to team leader was a natural progression, as his colleagues were drawn to his leadership qualities. As a team leader, he has been both a guide and an advocate, always putting the well-being of his team members first. He fosters an environment of mutual respect, inspiring his team to approach their roles with the same passion and commitment that he does. His patience and support have made him a mentor to many, with new team members often looking to Ian for guidance. Ian’s team members know that they can count on him not only for professional support but also for a listening ear and an understanding heart.

As a trainer, Ian’s influence extends further, allowing him to shape SENAD’s next generation of support workers. His training sessions are marked by his warmth and a sense of purpose, as he shares stories and lessons from his own experiences. He approaches each trainee with the same respect and care that he brings to his daily work, ensuring they feel prepared, confident, and inspired. Ian doesn’t just teach skills—he imparts a philosophy of compassionate, person-centered care that has become part of SENAD’s ethos.

Through every role, Ian’s enthusiasm remains contagious. He comes to work each day with a smile and an unbreakable commitment to making a difference. Whether he’s sitting with someone to help them reach a personal milestone, cheering on a colleague, or lending a helping hand, Ian brings energy, kindness, and integrity to everything he does.

SENAD is grateful for Ian’s two decades of service and the incredible legacy he continues to build. His dedication has left an indelible mark on everyone he’s worked with, and his commitment to uplifting others serves as a daily reminder of the impact one person can have. Here’s to Ian—20 years of care, compassion, and countless lives touched.

Thank you to Michelle Gould, Registered Manager, SENAD Community Coventry.

Rowden Pupil VIP at Football Team’s First Match of the Season

Cheltenham Town FC Development Centre would like to say a special thank you to Rowden House School and West Midlands Learning Campus for sponsoring their 16s Whites for the 4th season running. They were honoured to host representatives from the school (including pupil O) at the 16s JPL game over the weekend, as the side wore the new kit for the first time.

Parents said…….

‘O has been to see his friend today and they watched his team’s football match. He was very impressed seeing the shirts with Rowden House School written on the front and he role-played that he owned the football team and cheered very loudly when they scored a goal, staying to talk with his peer for the first half of the match.’