An innovative new Therapeutic Education provision will be opening in Somerset in September, offering places for children and young people with additional and SEND needs.
The Education service in Misterton, owned by the Diocese of Bath and Wells, will be run by Horizon’s Therapeutic Education Trust. Somerset Council jointly funded the service with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, and delivered the refurbishment works through Futures for Somerset and Qube.
This initiative is part of a Strategic Partnership between Somerset Council, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Shaw Trust. The partnership won the Innovation in Partnerships’ category at Municipal Journal Award (MJ) Award in 2023 for its work. The MJ awards is the biggest National annual awards ceremony for local government.
The service will support children in care and children whose health impacts their ability to succeed in mainstream schooling. It is led by multidisciplinary team of specialist teaching staff and NHS professionals.
Councillor Heather Shearer, Lead Executive Member for Children, Families and Education at Somerset Council, said:
“The opening of this new Therapeutic Education service in Misterton marks a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting children with additional and SEND needs and reflects our dedication to ensuring every child in Somerset can succeed. By providing a nurturing and specialised environment, we aim to help these young people thrive – thank you to all that have been involved!”
Chris Luck, Group CEO of Shaw Trust, commented:
“The determination and commitment of Somerset Council to deliver the best outcomes for their children in care through this integrated, long-term, and sustainable partnership, is the blueprint for quality and maximising value for money for the taxpayer. We are proud and excited that the opening of Misterton is another major milestone of the partnership achieved.”
Ed Gregory, Director of Education for the Diocese of Bath and Wells said:
“The Diocese of Bath and Wells and Diocesan Board of Education are delighted that the Misterton site is providing a fantastic education setting, securing such a unique contribution to the Homes and Horizons vision for young people of Somerset.”
The service aims to help students transition back to local schools with specialist support. The service will provide therapeutic and education services to 10-15 children, with plans for a second site next year. These efforts are part of broader support for young people with additional and SEND needs, including a £500k investment to remodel the former infant school building.
Additionally, Homes2Inspire, part of Shaw Trust, is managing eight new homes in Somerset. Five homes are operational, two will open in September, and the eighth in early 2025. A higher needs fostering service is also being developed.
Somerset Council, with over 600 children in care, is recruiting foster carers. For more information, visit Fostering in Somerset – Change a Child’s Story.
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Notes to Editors
Photo shows the Chair of Somerset Council, Councillor Mike Best, and Lead Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, Councillor Heather Shearer, with partners and guests at the opening of Misterton Therapeutic Education provision.
Shaw Trust has produced a short video where you can learn more about the new therapeutic education provision – Welcome to Misterton school (youtube.com).
Therapeutic Education: The service will provide structured support from mental health specialists, therapists, and a varied curriculum to encourage re-engagement. The day starts with a group check-in at 9:30 AM, followed by four individualised sessions. Lunch is together, and the teaching day ends around 3 PM. There are optional extracurricular activities and catch-up sessions in a fifth session. The service will also offer holiday activities.
Shaw Trust: Shaw Trust is a leading employment charity supporting people to achieve their full potential. Through strategic partnerships and innovation, Shaw Trust services put people’s needs first, creating lasting social value in the communities they support.
Homes2Inspire: Homes2Inspire help the most vulnerable children, giving them a safe place to live and the time and patience to work through any difficulties they have. Now part of Shaw Trust, Homes2Inspire has grown to have 30 homes across the UK, all unique but united in the belief that every child and young person deserves the best possible start in life.
