Young people with learning disabilities are already at a disadvantage to other young people regarding accessing different opportunities in their lives that are inclusive and accessible to them. The young people we support at our school have often complex needs from communicating, processing information and managing challenging behaviour. Therefore we encounter many barriers that limit opportunities young people with special educational needs can fully participate in and learn from.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award puts our children on a level footing to all other children participating and focusses on the individuals being the best that they can be. It isn’t a competition and activities are focused to individual interests and areas they want to improve and upskill. The award will support our students to develop soft skills such as team working, communication and creativity which will improve not only individual development but health and wellbeing.