This month is no exception.
Founder of Overley Hall – a specialist residential provision in Telford – Anita Brown has spent her life as a pioneer for SEND provision and support for those who need a little extra help.
At the impressive age of 86, she is showing no sign of slowing down on a journey that has been truly inspirational.
Overley Hall comprises Overley Hall School – an independent special school for pupils between the ages of eight and 19 who have autism, learning disabilities and a range of complex needs – Wellingtonia Children’s Home and The Woodlands adult provision which offers experiential residential care for young adults aged 19 plus.
The school and homes are situated in 14 tranquil, rural acres which support a therapeutic curriculum tailored to the needs and interests of students.
Since Overley Hall’s founding back in 1980, Anita and the team have been committed to preparing SEND children for future life, in particular by helping them to use a more functional level of communication and be emotionally prepared to live with as much independence as possible.
Anita’s extraordinary vision of care tailored to the needs of the child was shared by her husband Paul, who co-founded Overley Hall with her. Though, Anita’s own journey in becoming a pioneer in the world of SEND provision started back in the ‘60s – long before the keys to the mansion were in their hands.
“For over 65 years, I have dedicated my life to transforming the lives of children and adults with special educational needs,” she said. “My journey in education began with teacher training at Whitelands College, London, followed by eight years of teaching in Manchester schools.
“It was here that I witnessed first-hand the challenges that many children who needed extra help faced in traditional learning environments.
“My passion for inclusive education led me to Bermuda, where I spent five years teaching in a special school, gaining invaluable insight into the power of tailored learning.”
It is this insight that would drive Anita’s life’s work, and that would give birth to the Overley ethos.
“Returning to the UK, my husband Paul and I – both having received special education training at the Cambridge Institute of Education – saw an urgent need for a specialist residential school that provided not just education, but a home where children could truly thrive,” she said.
“In 1980 this vision became a reality when we acquired Overley Hall, a place that would become a beacon of hope, growth and opportunity for children with complex needs.”
Setting up Overley was a project born from passion and determination, but it did not come without risks and – needless to say – a lot of hard work.
“The hall was a big old mansion built in 1882,” said Anita. “It had been a school for the blind run by the Royal National Institute for the Blind, and when it came up for auction we were able to buy it with money we’d saved while in Bermuda.
“We went to the bank and they said, ‘well, you realise if it fails you’ll be penniless and you’ll have no home?’ But we were determined to make it work.
“For the first six months I had to get the place set up on my own as my husband was then working at a hospital special school in Surrey where he had to give six months notice.
“So I was there on my own with our own two young children – ages four and six – but somehow we managed!”
At its inception, Overley Hall welcomed four children through its doors as pupils and residents. Today it is the proud home for 22 youngsters with day school placements also available.
“At some point some of the parents said, ‘oh we wish our children could stay here when they get to 19’,” said Anita. “As it happened, there were five children who got on really well together and who were due to leave at about the same time. And I said, ‘Well, I think I’ll build an adult unit’.
“With that, Woodlands was born, and those five young people are still there. Their parents are so happy that their children are well settled and on the campus they came to when they were 12 and they’re all doing really well.”
Anita and the team at Overley believe with absolute conviction that every child and adult is capable of learning, growing and achieving when given the right support. Anita and Paul founded Overley Hall on the belief that education extends beyond the classroom, and that well-being, independence, and a sense of belonging are just as important as academic success.
Sadly, Paul passed away in 2008, leaving Anita as Overley Hall’s sole proprietor. Yet, she has been supported admirably by an enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff.
All who work at Overley Hall are diligent in ensuring that all in their charge receive the same care, attention and opportunities that inspired Anita’s journey in education all those years ago, and – as a true family – keep her and Paul’s vision at the forefront of everything they do.
It is a vision that they should all be incredibly proud to have perpetuated.
■ For more information, visit overleyhall.com
