Introduction
Chief Executive’s and Chair’s Statement
The need has never been greater Never, in the history of National Star, has the commitment, compassion and resilience of our staff shone so brightly as during this past year. It is testament to their dedication, and to the leadership of the management team, that National Star remained open throughout the pandemic, providing care and support to young people and adults with complex disabilities and learning difficulties and their families. Building on the experience from the first lockdown of March 2020, National Star adapted quickly to the ever–changing situation. National Star has a tradition of being innovative and creative in our approaches to care and learning. Through strong planning and crisis management, National Star was able to provide services throughout the year. We also had to cope, for the second year in a row, with the loss of vital fundraising and other income generating activities. In January, we became one of the first specialist colleges in the country to have learners vaccinated. It was a moment for great hope after so many difficult months. We were also able to end the academic year on a high with the return of face– to–face, albeit smaller, Leavers’ Ceremonies. Many young people we support have life–limiting conditions and complex medical needs. The year was tinged with great sadness with the tragic passing of three learners at Ullenwood due to their complex medical conditions.
Chairman Paul Styles
We cannot stress enough the impact these deaths had on staff, especially those who worked with them. With the support of our skilled care, nursing, therapeutic and education teams at National Star, young people, regardless of their complex medical needs, are able to access experiences and learning like their able–bodied peers.
One mother spoke about how her daughter thrived at National Star and loved her time at college and how, for the first time in her 20–year life, she had been able to communicate her choices. That same mother said that she felt like ‘we had won the lottery’ when her daughter was awarded a place at National Star. This speaks so eloquently of the incredible need for our services and how there are so many more young adults who do not have access to the support and care needed to maximise their potential. According to Department for Education data (January 2021), there are 1,408,701 pupils in England with Specialist Education and Needs Disability (SEND), an increase for the fourth consecutive year. Of those, there are 325,618 pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), an increase of 10.5% from the previous year. We cannot meet that need without the continued generous support from volunteers, individuals, groups, charitable trusts, foundations and companies. For that support during the past year, at a time when many have faced their own difficult challenges, we say a heartfelt thank you. Most importantly, we thank our staff for their outstanding commitment to provide the highest quality of education, care and support during these unprecedented times.
Chief Executive David Ellis and Student Union president Elliot
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Paul K Styles Chair of Trustees
David Ellis Chief Executive
National Star Foundation Annual Report and Accounts 2020 – 2021
