Not a rocket, but this Apollo project has the potential to launch children’s aspirations into the stratosphere. Officially opened on Friday 15 November, the alternative provision will accommodate up to 20 primary-aged children across four newly refurbished classrooms and other spaces.
Designed to educate children who have been excluded or are at-risk of permanent exclusion from mainstream schools, the centre is part of the Solihull Alternative Provision Multi Academy Trust (SAPMAT), who run several other schools and settings across Solihull and the West Midlands. The site (shared with and directly next to Daylesford Academy) is part of a former infant school which has undergone an extensive 15-month refurbishment, funded by Solihull Council, to become a therapeutic and inclusive environment. The classrooms use soft, nature-inspired colours and minimalist displays to avoid sensory overload, an important factor when working with some children with additional needs.
Specialist support will be available on site from an Educational Psychologist and Speech and Language Therapist, who will work alongside specialist teachers to help pupils become ready for a return to mainstream schooling.
The Apollo Centre will also serve as a base for support to primary schools across Solihull to help prevent disengagement and suspensions, with pupils being invited in for certain sessions or staff visiting them in their own schools. There is a specially designed sensory room, and facilities for play therapy to ensure the widest possible range of support is provided.
The Mayor of Solihull, who cut the ribbon to officially launch the Apollo Centre, said “It was an honour to officially open this new school, it has such an important role to play for some of the most vulnerable children in Solihull. The building, and more importantly the staff, really impressed me and I have every confidence that they will do brilliant work here. The space is incredible, and I want to thank those involved in making this a reality,”
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Children and Inclusion said “The Apollo Centre will make a real difference for its pupils, having it available is absolutely vital. The specialised nature of the support, and the experience SAPMAT have in delivering high-quality alternative provision, should reassure parents that even in difficult circumstances we will do the very best we can for their children. We can’t overlook the importance of the outreach work staff based here will be doing. It is something that headteachers across Solihull have asked for, so I’m delighted that we’ve been able to deliver that.”
Marie Meehan, Director of the Apollo Centre said “We are very excited to be working in partnership with the Local Authority and Solihull Primary Schools and Headteachers to build, launch and develop this much needed intervention and resource for the primary aged children of Solihull.”
Stephen Steinhaus, CEO of SAPMAT said “The opening of the Apollo Centre marks a new era for alternative provision in Solihull. This purpose-built facility aims to provide a calming oasis for young minds and support for every child's unique needs, enabling them to access educational opportunities for young people who need them most. Ultimately, Apollo aims to transform young lives, one day and one child at a time.”