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about chailey heritage foundation

About us

Chailey Heritage Foundation provides education and care services and is one of the UK’s leading centres for children and young people with complex neurodisabilities.

Most of the young people accessing our services have severe cerebral palsy, many have visual and/or other sensory impairments. All are wheelchair users and very few have verbal communication.

Our expertise is in maximising independence and choice, developing effective communication and providing powered mobility opportunities.

Founded in 1903 by Grace Kimmins, we still embrace her ethos today. We believe that each child and young person should have every opportunity to fulfil their potential, no matter what the challenges. Our promise today is that:

We will never, ever give up working with children, young people and their families to empower them to make their own choices at every stage in life.

We have developed a world-class range of specialist services that are necessary to meet the needs of these disabled young people. We work in close partnership with Chailey Clinical Services, a nationally recognised specialist NHS tertiary service for children and young adults with complex neurological and physical disabilities. Being on the same site enables us to deliver uniquely, integrated multi-agency services for the benefit of the young people and their families.

The difference we make

The impact of the Foundation’s services comes not just in how many children and young people use our services but in the difference we make to their lives and that of their families.

Our Work

Under the Chailey Heritage Foundation umbrella, the Charity delivers services in four main areas:

Chailey Heritage School: a non-maintained special school for 3-19 year olds.

Chailey Heritage Residential: a 'home from home' offering a range of boarding options from short breaks through to 52-week care, for pupils from our school and other local special schools.

Chailey Heritage Futures: a residential transition service for young people from 19 years, acting as a stepping stone into adult life, and beyond.

Community Services: a vibrant day service in our Hub and pay-as-you-go sessions in our LSC.

Our Vision

A society where individuals of all abilities are valued and no one is excluded because of their disability

Our Mission

To give disabled children and young people every opportunity to pursue their fullest potential

Our Values

Belonging

We are a community with a shared purpose. Everyone is accepted, everyone matters

Commitment

Every day we strive to make a positive difference for the children, young people and their families 

Ambition

We have high expectations; 'OK' is never good enough

Celebration

We celebrate what we achieve together

Our Promise

We will never, ever give up working with children, young people and their families to empower them to make their own choice at every stage in life

Katie Katie is 19, loves everything Disney and is always wearing the brightest outfits... Charlotte

13-year-old Charlotte is a determined, kind, and thoughtful young person.

Seth Seth is 6 years old and has been at school at Chailey Heritage Foundation since ... James James has been developing his concentration skills by caring for the animals at ... Thomas

Meet Thomas

Holly

Meet Holly

Livvy

Meet Livvy

Lucy T

Meet Lucy.

Lucy B

Meet Lucy.

Max Max is 20 and has been coming to Chailey Heritage Foundation for nine years.... Rosie Rosie LeWarde is 25 years old and is a sociable, happy and engaging young lady w... Jacob Jacob is 18 years-old and has been attending Chailey Heritage Foundation si... Bertie Bertie is six years old and started school at Chailey Heritage Foundation in Nov... Harry 20 year old Harry has been using our Hub and Pathways services for over a year.&... Archie

Starting school can be a nerve-racking time for any parent.

Sam Like many children his age, Sam loves football, computer games and watching TV w... Ellie With her cheeky smile, irrepressible curiosity and keen sporting talent, Ellie i... Raihana Her early entry into the world and the ensuing complications haven’t held ... Harriet Harriet has been developing her communication skills during her visits to Patchw... Mollie and her amazing creations 22 year old Mollie is a budding artist. Her amazing creations are on display in ... Ella Patchwork Farm is a unique resource for supporting learning in a wide range of w... Meet Michael “Michael’s personality has developed and he is much more outgoing, w... Henry

Read about how Patchwork Farm has helped Henry's confidence

Alfie's Life Skills Centre Experience Alfie is no stranger to ‘grafting’ or getting his hands dirty in his... Isabel's Gym Time Isabel’s gym sessions are giving her a real energy boost: her increased st...
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