Pat McFadden MP visited a new centre for students with autism has opened at City of Wolverhampton College’s Bilston campus.

The self-contained unit -; on Wellington Road -; will enable students to study in a secure environment designed with their specific needs in mind.

The centre, which caters for up to 12 students aged 16-25, features a sensory room, interactive technology and breakaway spaces, as well as adapted lighting and a range of equipment suitable for students with high dependency needs including height adjustable tables and changing facilities.

On Friday, Pat McFadden MP (Wolverhampton South East) visited the centre, Pat commented, “It was a pleasure to visit the new Autism centre for students at the City of Wolverhampton College’s Bilston campus. It is a fantastic facility for students aged 16 -25 and has been designed to meet the needs of students with autism. I am extremely excited that this facility is in my constituency and is offering a specialist service to autistic students. It is important that children and young people get the best start in life, and this facility in the heart of Bilston will ensure that children of varying needs do get that best start in life. I was pleased to see the dedication, expertise and knowledge of the staff at the facility who are key to making the centre a success. I look forward to being involved with the centre and seeing how it develops in the next few years”.

The students attending the centre are all on a Futures programme which focuses on developing skills required for everyday life such as communication, social interaction and creativity, as well as the use of English, maths and IT.

Paula Van Ommeren, provision manager for high needs, said: “Through discussions with parents and the city council, we identified a need for a local centre for students with complex learning needs and disabilities which would provide an alternative to out-of-area specialist colleges.

The new centre has been specifically designed to meet the needs of students with autism and will enable them to learn in a safe and secure environment and develop skills in line with their individual goals, be it independent living, progressing to further learning or moving into employment.”

For more information please visit;

http://www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/