Baston House boosts vocational skills with new state-of-the-art facilities

Baston House School in Kent – an independent special school for children aged 5-19 with autism spectrum conditions – has recently opened new state of the art facilities for Food Technology, Design and Technology, and Science to support the development of the pupils’ life and vocational skills. The expansion will also enable the school to extend its pupil intake by a third – from 85 pupils to 115 – to meet the growing demand for specialist autism provisions in the South East of England.

The new Food Technology kitchen provides individual working areas for up to eight students and the professional environment gives them a real insight into the catering industry. Year 10/11 students are able to achieve BTEC qualifications in Home Cooking Skills at Levels 1 and 2.

Students can demonstrate their creative talents in the brand new Design and Technology Suite, which is equipped with traditional tools as well as the latest specialist kit, including 3D printers, a plastics oven, a vacuum former and a pewter casting system. Key Stage 4 pupils can work towards their accredited NCFE LEVEL 2 Certificate in Creative Craft, building skills in product research, design development, manufacturing and evaluation.

The bright and airy new Science Lab is designed to optimise scientific experiences for all pupils. Each workspace has its own gas, electric and water supply and the work benches are positioned to give all pupils an unimpeded view of the teacher during practical demonstrations. Key Stage 4 students can follow AQA GCSE courses in Combined Science and Biology.

Recently rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted and ‘Outstanding’ in the area of ‘Personal Development’, Baston House School, part of Outcomes First Group, offers a personalised approach to learning that brings out the best in each pupil – 100% of pupils who leave the school at the end of Year 11 or 13 progress to further education, employment or an apprenticeship.

From September 2020 to July 2022, Baston House School will be able to accommodate students up to the age of 21, this will enable the school to continue to provide high quality, personalised educational programmes which empower students to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding required to enable them to achieve as fulfilled, meaningful and independent lives as possible.

To learn more about Baston House School, please visit the website www.bastonhouseschool.org.uk or call 020 8462 1010.