Ambitious new £500,000 mental health hub opens doors at Daventry academy

A new £500,000 mental health hub has opened its doors at a Daventry academy,

Celebrations to mark the launch of the social, emotional, mental health provision at Daventry The Parker E-ACT Academy took place last week.

There is currently no such provision within the town or the surrounding area, so Northamptonshire County Council approached the academy as it already had a strong reputation for SEND provision.

Executive headteacher Simon Cox said: “I am extremely proud to be able to open this provision and we’re so grateful to Northamptonshire County Council, E-ACT and the Regional Schools Commissioner for their support in opening this centre.

Daventry Mayor Karen Tweedale was at the launch.

"We look forward to The Parker E-ACT Academy being seen as a key supporting hub for young people suffering with SEMH in Daventry.”

It is estimated that 150,000 children in mainstream and special schools are experiencing SEMH challenges. National data shows that a child with any special educational need and disability (SEND) is significantly more likely to leave school without any qualifications.

The provision includes a sensory room, up to eight small classrooms, a food technology toom, ICT room as well as general offices.

The hub will be a base for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and other external agencies and will allow a group of up to 20 young people with additional needs, such as anxiety, autism, ADHD and more, to access a fully inclusive school. The provision will include a sensory room, up to eight small classrooms, a food technology toom, ICT room as well as general offices.