A learning landmark
SEPTEMBER 2020 will see the opening of the largest special educational project in the history of the British Jewish community. Kisharon School’s new building is the result of a £13.6 million investment on a scale that has never before been undertaken in this field.
The modern, light, spacious and fully accessible new building in north London has been designed to accommodate 72 pupils, aged four to 19, with cognitive or physical needs, including autism spectrum disorders.
Colours, signage, lighting and acoustics have been designed according to National Autistic Society guidelines, supporting a young person with autism to understand the world in which they learn.
The building incorporates break-out areas to enable pupils to regain focus; a bespoke lift which allows pupils with complex needs access to every area of the building and interactive technology in every classroom, including interactive boards linked to iPads, iGaze equipment and adapted keyboards and switches.
Outdoor areas give opportunities for fitness, freedom and headspace. Bespoke climbing frames and walls stand next to a sensory garden, an outdoor classroom for the early years and a horticulture zone for growing fruit and vegetables. The new Kisharon campus provides the technology and equipment to empower more students than ever before
Students will be empowered to explore and experiment with new skills, through interactive learning suites and a hydrotherapy pool. There will be a trampoline, offering rebound therapy to improve communication, motor skills, body awareness, coordination and concentration.
Other in-house therapies include play therapy, music therapy, hydrotherapy, Lego and Smile therapy and the ever-popular pet therapy.
A larger cohort of children of varying abilities will be able to access Kisharon’s personalised teaching methods, cementing the community’s commitment to fostering cultural and social values in children of every ability. A Jewish ethos permeates every aspect of teaching at the school and students from all backgrounds are welcomed.
The new building, says Kisharon, “will allow teachers to take students on a journey through childhood that reaches beyond the classroom, preparing them to take an active role in their chosen community as young adults”.
The project was conceived in response to the limited space and facilities offered by the current building, coupled with increased demand for places from the community.
“Our teachers are some of the most committed in the UK,” says Sora Kopfstein, head teacher. “We always hoped to have a facility to match their ability to deliver the very best for young people with learning disabilities. At the start, Kisharon catered for students with moderate learning disabilities but our cohort has changed and our school must reflect this. We are now striving to achieve the best for children with complex learning disabilities as well as physical disabilities and autism. This diversity of needs will be catered for in this incredible, purposebuilt and bespoke building. I am proud and delighted to have been part of this milestone project which will have such a profound impact on young people with learning disabilities, both now and in future generations.”
The fundraising team has built partnerships between the community, local authority and the Department of Education’s Free School Building Fund.
“This investment of time, passion and finance are the building blocks of one of the most exciting and gamechanging special education projects in the UK,” says Richard Franklin, Kisharon CEO. “The new Kisharon School campus is more than a place of learning. It is a centre of excellence for learning disability education to develop, learn and grow from our own research and evidence-based teaching strategies. Leading-edge technology, coupled with outstanding teaching staff, offers every individual the best education, continuing to build on Kisharon’s commitment to equipping young people with learning disabilities to best prepare for adult life and to fulfil their potential.”
The team’s commitment to exemplifying the best of educational and Jewish values is reflected in this landmark project, in keeping with the school’s aspiration to offer outstanding education for all.
To apply: 020 8455 7483, office@ kisharonschool.org.uk. Beverley Kaye is marketing consultant at Kisharon