Foxfield School, Woodchurch, provides learning and support for pupils with severe, complex and profound learning disabilities. As part of its independent living programme, a base was provided by social landlord, Magenta Living, with their Supported Housing Team working with Foxfield School to identify a suitable property. The newly refurbished home provides a realistic environment for pupils to learn the vital skills of cooking, cleaning and household management, which they will need as they become adults.
Some adaptations were required necessary, including an external ramp and handrails being fitted, and internal doors being widened, which were carried out by Magenta Living’s Building Services technicians. Following this, three of Magenta Living’s Painting and Decorating Apprentices carried out a full internal redecoration of the house.
In addition to using the property on a daily basis, the house will also be used to give the pupils from Foxfield School, and from their partner school, Meadowside, some real life experience of being more independent, though overnight stays with staff.
Chris Boynton, Apprentice Training Manager at Magenta Living, said: “We are delighted to have been able to assist with preparing the property ready for use, which will help with such an important aspect of pupil’s lives. This project has given the apprentices of Magenta Living a fantastic opportunity to enhance their vocational skills, but, perhaps more importantly, it has provided a place that will benefit the pupils of Foxfield and Meadowside schools in the years to come. This is a great example of how one group of young people can help to make a positive difference to the lives of other young people.”
Andre Baird, Headteacher of Foxfield School, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the staff at Magenta Living who have been involved in locating, arranging and preparing the property on Home Farm Road for Foxfield School to lease and use as an Independent Living Skills base. I would particularly like to thank James, David and Murray, the apprentices who did a fantastic job on the redecoration, and Roger who managed their work. The standard of decoration and preparation is excellent, and the house is now in a great condition and ready for our use. We look forward to many years of excellent use of this property and seeing the progress that pupils can make in becoming more skillful, independent and confident members of the community.”
