A special event to commemorate the official opening of a brand new centre for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities (LLDD) took place Harrow College on Wednesday 27 April 2016.
Spring House, was officially opened on a wonderful sunny morning, fitting for the new building name. The event was a celebration of this fantastic new building and also highlighted the work done by Harrow College to provide students with some of the best facilities to support their learning.
Taking into account published guidelines, the building has been designed to provide a protective space for young people. The new building includes a learning zone and courtyard, sensory room, Visilift interactive television, additional classrooms and increased facilities specifically for LLDD students including a social kitchen and dining area to promote independent living skills.
During the event, a number of speakers addressed the invited guests and students including the Deputy Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Rekha Shah and Principal and Chief Executive of Harrow College, Pat Carvalho. Speakers on the day also included Harrow College’s Executive Director of Finance and Resources Judith Abbott, and former student, four-time World Paratriathlon Champion and three times European Champion, Faye McClelland.
Harrow College students Edward Mangar and Harry Dumont, stole the show as they spoke with great passion about their experiences of Spring House and their ambitions for the future. Councillor Simon Brown also spoke about his delight with the facility and the opportunities it would open for Harrow College students, before the event close by Harrow College Chair of Governors, Nick Davies.
Attendees also took part in a time capsule burial ceremony. The capsule, containing current photos, videos, newspapers and Harrow College literature, as well as predictions made by LLDD students of how they think the world will be in 25 years’ time, was buried in front of the centre with a plaque. The capsule is predicted to be reopened in the year 2041.
Speaking after the event, Principal and Chief Executive of Harrow College Pat Carvalho said “We’re delighted to be able to share with the community what we’re doing here with Spring House. The centre will support young people, develop their confidence and sense of pride to help secure a better future for them.”
Harrow College now looks forward to embracing the new space and facilities of the building, ahead of the new intake of students in September 2016. For further details about supported learning at the College, please call 020 8909 6000.