Students with special education needs (SEN) will be able to learn how to live independently after three new eco-sustainable homes were recently installed at City of Bristol College
The homes are a joint half-a-million-pound project between the college and Bristol City Council, with the council financing the venture to better support SEN students in Bristol.
Located at the college’s Brislington Centre, the ready-made homes can accommodate up to 13 students at a time, with both existing and new students given the opportunity and support to help develop the skills needed to live independently.
Opened in September 2017, the centre offers a place where students with SEN can stay and learn key life skills from Sunday to Friday. The students return home over the weekend and during college holidays.
The new accommodation also means students who have been residents at the centre for a number of years, will have the chance to further develop the skills they have learned and the opportunity to move out of the residential house and into their own living accommodation.
The three modern living eco-homes consist of two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and a living area.
Living in the homes students will build on their existing cooking, cleaning and budgeting skills, as well as make their own healthy lifestyle choices.
Dedicated centre staff will continue supporting the students at the level that’s suitable for their needs, including employability skills, effective communication, and strategies to aid memory and punctuality.
Councillor Anna Keen, cabinet member for Education and Skills for Bristol City Council said: “The new homes are a great addition to the Brislington Centre which already provides valuable education opportunities for students with SEN.
“In Bristol, we believe that everyone, regardless of any additional needs, should be able to access education in a way that supports and encourages them. These new eco-sustainable homes will enhance the college’s ability to provide training, education and life skills, helping students to lead independent, adult lives in their communities.”
Three new homes were installed at the centre on Tuesday, 22 October. The trio of residences were built offsite before being lifted by crane onto plots outside the centre.
