The sun was shining for The Gateway official launch event which took place at Basford on 14th May. It was a special occasion that acknowledged the impact our new £5.4m bespoke centre for supported learners is already having on the community and SEND families in the region.
The celebration featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Janet Smith and a symbolic time capsule burial, commemorating the transition from the former Arthur Mee Centre. Carl Ara, Assistant Principal at Basford, delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing his gratitude to everyone who helped bring this ambitious vision to life. He praised the collaborative spirit that made the project a reality.
Special recognition was given to James Swift, Director of Strategic Development & Projects, for securing the vital funding, Joanna Crawshaw, Capital Projects Manager, for her outstanding leadership throughout the project, the team at G.F. Tomlinson for transforming plans into a state-of-the-art facility, and Mike Condon, Creative Services Manager, whose thoughtful interior design has brought the space to life.
Since the move in February, the new facility has been warmly embraced by our SLDD staff and students. Their enthusiasm and adaptability have made the transition smooth and uplifting.
As part of the celebration, staff and students curated a time capsule now buried at the front of the building, soon to be marked with a commemorative plaque. The capsule includes cherished items such as student-made cookbooks, handwritten memories from the Arthur Mee Centre, yearbooks, the original AMC building keys, and a touching tribute to Steve Crockett, the beloved AMC caretaker who sadly passed away.
Spanning 1,350m², The Gateway features 13 modern classrooms, a fully equipped teaching kitchen, a welcoming dining area, and a variety of support spaces tailored to diverse learning needs. Outside, students can enjoy a sensory garden and dedicated planting areas.
Thank you to everyone who supported on the day and leading up to the event - it certainly was a day to remember!
