Options Higford celebrates their 10th Anniversary

Options Higford, which offers residential and education services to children aged between eight to nineteen with autistic spectrum conditions and additional complex difficulties, opened their doors for all to join in and celebrate their 10th anniversary on Friday 29th September.

To commemorate this fantastic milestone, the staff and children at Options Higford welcomed family, friends and local authorities into the school which is located near Shifnal.

Throughout the day there were many exciting activities taking place, such as party games, a tombola and a bouncy castle and a range of refreshments and tasty treats, including Mexican food, an ice cream van and some delicious cakes, the donations from which went to Macmillan’s Coffee morning.

An awards presentation took place for student achievement and there was a long-service award for staff who have been at the service for ten years.

Options Higford, which is run by Options Autism and is part of Outcomes First Group, has gone from strength to strength since opening in 2007.

Today the service provides education, care and short breaks to 25 children. However, with an ever increasing demand for placements, the school have recently completed construction of two new buildings to incorporate extra classroom space, a computer room and a family/ multi-use room for music and drama, which has created further school capacity.

The official opening of this new facility took place during the anniversary celebrations and will help to enhance the wide range of on-site facilities provided by the school, which already includes an extensive outdoor area, a sensory hub incorporating a water play room, sensory and soft play room, a forest school and a sports hall.

Speaking of the anniversary celebrations, Graham Norris, Head of Service at Options Higford commented: “Our 10th anniversary was incredibly special for us and it was great to welcome past, present and future family and friends through our doors.

“Since opening, we have seen so many individuals grow and develop into happy young adults and we are proud not only of the children here but the commitment and hard work of our staff who have helped them to progress.”

Read all about Options Higford’s 10th anniversary celebrations on the BBC News Shropshire website here.

Picture 1: Graham Baker, CEO of Outcomes First Group, opening Option Higford’s new classroom facility on their 10th anniversary

Picture 2: Having fun at Option Higford’s 10th anniversary

Picture 3: Caroline Dhir, Administration Manager, cutting Option Higford’s 10 year anniversary cake

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For more information contact Emma Portman at Outcomes First Group on 01789 767800 EXT 2122.

Notes to editors

Outcomes First Group is the portfolio company for Hillcrest Children’s Services and Options Autism and Learning Difficulties. The group was formed in May 2013 following the acquisition of Hillcrest Care Limited and the subsequent acquisition of Options Autism in March 2016, becoming one of the largest specialist care providers for young people and adults in England. Collectively the groups have been operating for over 40 years. The group provides care and education to children, young people and adults with autism, complex needs, learning disabilities and social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).

For more information visit www.outcomesfirstgroup.co.uk

Options Autism and Learning Difficulties is a leading provider of services to people with autistic spectrum conditions, learning difficulties and complex needs.

Established in 1999 – and formerly known as Options Autism Group – it is currently working with nearly half of all local authorities in England and Wales, providing high quality services to over 240 children, young people and adults across England and Wales.

For more information about Options Autism, visit www.optionsautism.co.uk