A pioneering new centre for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has opened in Derby city centre.
Imbue is a gaming and tech learning hub for young people aged from eight to 18 who have SEND, social, emotional or mental health needs (SEMH) or are struggling to engage with mainstream education.
The inclusive facility is equipped with cutting-edge immersive technology that provides a range of exciting and engaging activities for individuals to learn and develop new skills, while having fun in a safe and secure environment.
Sessions will encourage young people to develop life skills in areas including coding, digital technology and media, as well as experiencing physical activities and immersive experiences.
Imbue has worked in partnership with Derby City Council to open the centre following the Council’s successful bid for Government funding from the Department for Education’s Short Breaks Innovation Fund.
Imbue will provide respite and short breaks, as well as alternative education provision, after-school clubs and one-to-one sessions.
Simon Leonard, co-founder of Imbue, said:
The doors to a new way of learning are opening in Derby. This is an inclusive, immersive experience for children that struggle in mainstream education and I don’t think there’s anything like it anywhere else in the country.
Our aim is to support children to develop their social skills and life skills through a love of gaming and tech. Working in partnership with Derby City Council, we want to inspire young people to grow their potential and set goals for their future.
The sensory room inside Imbue gaming and tech learning hub
Councillor John Whitby, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Learning and Skills, said:
All children and young people are different, and mainstream education is not the best fit for everyone. This new centre is so impressive and it’s very exciting to have an innovative facility like this available to families in the city.
As we continue to work on developing Derby’s SEND provision, we’re aiming to provide a range of options to enable each individual to live their best life, and this is a shining example of that.
Derby City Council’s short breaks project, funded by the DfE’s innovation fund, gives children with disabilities a chance to take part in activities and develop skills, while giving their families a break from their caring responsibilities.
The programme is an excellent opportunity for young people to enhance their wellbeing, develop their resilience and access social situations while being guided by a team of experienced support workers and mentors.
In addition to Imbue, other organisations offering short breaks in Derby include The Endorphins Group, Umbrella, St James’ Centre and Derbyshire Autism Services.
The project also includes the use of the mental health and wellbeing mobile app, Includmi, which allows children with SEND to share their thoughts and feelings, and check in with trusted key workers and support teams.