Teesside SEN centre granted funding from Tata Steel subsidiary

The Tata Steel business support subsidiary UKSE has financially supported a Teesside special education provider,

Hopefields Education CIC, a non-profit alternative education and support provider based in Thornaby, is currently working with 20 vulnerable students, aged between 11 and 25. They have a range of special needs including learning difficulties, exclusion, mental health issues and a need for extra support.

UKSE has provided £2.5k from its special Community Support Fund to help buy IT equipment for a computer suite and a further £7.5k to support Hopefields’ move to the bigger premises.

Hopefields was started by directors Emily Greenhalgh and Alison Laws in 2020 to provide the service in the area. With increasing demand for places and referrals from a number of local authorities in the region, Hopefields has an attendance rate of more than 93 per cent.

The growing team of specialised teachers and other staff alongside the two directors bring wide experience and expertise in education, business, trauma, special needs and therapy to the organisation.

A focus on core subjects goes alongside outdoor learning and animal therapies at a working smallholding farm near Billingham and leads to accredited qualifications and vocational options.

The aim is to offer a curriculum that helps all the young people succeed and also has a positive impact on their families and the wider community.

Director and head of teaching and learning Emily Greenhalgh said: “We are very grateful to UKSE for the funds to help equip our computer suite and to purchase materials needed to refurbish the building as well as to all the wonderful volunteers, friends, parents, local businesses and funds providing their labour and other support.”

Peter Taylor of UKSE said: “Supporting community organisations working in our steel areas is an important part of our operation, alongside the investment packages and Innovation Centres that help growing businesses.

“We need to invest in our young people for the future and Hopefields Education is doing a great job in helping a particular group reach their full potential.”