A clip of a discussion on a news channel is currently doing the rounds, where a speaker's personal experience involving people with learning disabilities and/or mental health conditions in a community cafe setting, as well as some recent high-profile events (if you class nearly 10 years ago as recent). Read more
As a specialist, not-for-profit organisation supporting autistic young people with what are generally seen as the most complex support needs, our response is grounded in our direct experience of this cohort of young people. Read more
A summary from Ryan Campbell, CEO of Prior's Court, about the publication of the government's Schools White Paper and SEND proposals, wirtten as personal reflections rather than an organisational position. Read more
While the increase in SEND spending in the Budget announcement is welcome, the impact of employers paying NI contributions at 15% on salaries above £5,00 could have a significant impact on services like ours, without some form of intervention. Read more
Notes from Prior's Court's senior leaders and autism experts discussing key topics in the autism sector, changes to our approach or practice, what we've been doing to advocate for the issues faced by autistic young people with complex needs, and more issues of the day.
The opinions and views reflected in these posts do not necessarily represent those of Prior's Court as an organisation - where the posts are from individuals, this is made clear in the blog itself.
Mark Sutcliffe, father of Prior's Court alumni Jenny , starred in 'The Long Road: Stories of love, hope and autistic young people with complex needs'. These are some of his extended thoughts about Jenny, thoughts that shone through during the filming but are explored in greater depth. Read more
Debra Reid, one of the parents who featured in our The Long Road film, talks about her experience of filming - meeting a family early in their journey, what it taught her about how far her son Peter has come, and how all children like her son "can make their own difference to this world, in their own special way." Read more
The findings of the National Audit Office report about the special educational needs (SEN) system will come as absolutely no surprise to anyone with experience of the system. Read more
The headlines of the "Towards an effective and financially sustainable approach to SEND in England", report are something most, including Prior's Court, would agree on - but the detail is the troubling aspect. Read more
We’ve recently signed up to be a member of Autism Alliance UK – a group of more than a dozen autism not-for-profits campaigning for improved outcomes and reduced inequalities for autistic people and their families. Read more
Four of our key hopes for the next government after the General Election on July 4 around SEND provision for those with high levels of need. Read more
There have been recent news stories from some education, care and health settings that reference more punishment-based strategies. Not only does this go against our values, but punishment is also the least effective way to change behaviour as it only teaches someone what not to do. Read more
Two of our senior care leaders have met with the Care Quality Commission CEO and the regulator's lead inspectors to talk Prior's Court, our work and offer some feedback about the new CQC assessment framework. Read more