Touch Trust College of the Arts
One of the most important ambitions for Touch Trust is to establish a college for post nineteen year olds.
Under the age of nineteen, young people have a statutory entitlement to education or health or social services funding.
There has been a widespread development of special schools throughout the UK for those young people who have special needs. After the age of nineteen, students have the opportunity for funding for a further three years of education and this can be at a special school or residential college.
Touch Trust recently commissioned a feasibility study for a new Touch Trust College for post nineteen year olds. This study has shown that although much good work is being done in special schools for children up to the age of nineteen, once they have passed the age of statutory education services, there is a serious vacuum. The study shows that there are many examples of young people with profound disabilities reverting into themselves and progressively becoming even more isolated and lacking any form of stimulation for lack of good facilities to attend.
The study shows that a limited number of pupils go on to Day Centres which are run by Social Services. Some Day Centres are attempting to address the ongoing education of these pupils but the provision is patchy and dependent on geographical location.
Young people with severe multiple disabilities are probably the most disadvantaged. They need specific care and support and they do not fit easily into a ‘Care in the Community Policy’. However, they can and do respond to care and stimulation and they also need preparation for later life.
