A COLLEGE has unveiled its new state-of-the-art facilities designed for people with learning difficulties.

Heart of Worcestershire (HOW) College officially opened the doors to its Special Educational Needs (SEN) facility in Redditch last week.

The brand new facilities were developed thanks to a £298,000 boost by Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) as part of a joint partnership project between the two organisations.

The aim is to help transform how local post 16 specialist provision can be shaped to best meet the needs and preferences of young people in the town and their parents at this important transition to adulthood.

The facilities include a sensory room, a mocked up ‘flat’ to be used to support learners to develop independence skills, refurbished classroom areas and improved access to online facilities which support independent learning, in preparation for employment or living independently.

Claire Heywood, from HOW College, said: “Here at Heart of Worcestershire College we’re absolutely delighted to have been able to transform our existing surroundings to accommodate these new facilities.

"The college is passionate about enhancing SEN provision and continuing to support our current and future cohort of learners. I’d particularly like to thank the Worcestershire LEP for providing us with a significant investment to make this project possible.”

Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “With these new state-of-the art facilities, Heart of Worcestershire College will be able to provide relevant and sustainable life skills for a greater number of students.”

For more information about the facilities, visit howcollege.ac.uk.