Our family’s journey with Henshaws

This blog is written by Karen, mum to William and Annabel who have both attended Henshaws Specialist College. She shares her family’s story.

The start of our Henshaws journey

Our Henshaws journey began 7 years ago when our son William became a student. A person centered curriculum was adopted which enabled him to reach his full potential and as a result, made us confident that this would also be the ideal placement for our daughter, Annabel.

Whilst Annabel’s needs are very different to William’s, Henshaws have once again excelled themselves by applying an educational plan that maximises her skills and promotes her confidence.

A curriculum that is adapted to meet Annabel’s needs

Each department that Annabel accesses, whether it be physiotherapy; speech and language; horticulture; cookery or yoga has a curriculum which is perfectly adapted to suit her needs and thereby ensuring that her full potential is developed.

Annabel especially enjoys her time in the pool where she carries out her hydrotherapy classes. This facility is a great asset to the college as is the sports hall; well equipped gymnasium and fully adapted kitchens.

Residential respite

During her time at Henshaws, Annabel has also spent time within their residential units which allowed us some respite. Once again, the staff have been nothing short of amazing in their approach and the way in which they adopt the curriculum throughout the evenings incorporating activities that encourage independence.

I have nothing but praise for the staff team

Both William and Annabel have complex health needs and I have always had the utmost confidence in the staff team that all needs are fully understood and met at all times.

I would also like to add that throughout the past year when things have been far from normal with all the restrictions and ever changing rules and regulations in place the staff have risen to the many challenges and continued to offer a place of learning and normality in what must be a very confusing world for many of the students.  I have nothing but praise for them all.