Orange Base at Nell Bank

Orange Base, a class of 10 students age 11-16 with severe learning difficulties, went to Nell Bank for a one night residential on 11 July.
Our trip was made possible thanks to a grant of £500 from Bingley Airedale Rotary Club and another grant of £100 from Bradford Central Lions Club. Also, Nell Bank supported by giving us Assisted Places funding for 3 day trips which helped students become familiar with the environment and the fantastic Aiming High Lodge in preparation for the massive challenge of sleeping away from home and their familiar carers. As each visit unfolded, you could see the students, many of who have autism and other anxieties, become more at home in their environment so they could explore fully and challenge themselves to do activities they never would have thought they could do.  It was especially noticeable in the Nellbanian Mountains activities as each time children pushed themselves a little further and many managed to do the whole course by the end of the last day.

For many students it was the first time they had slept away from their parents and they coped really well in the new environment supported by the excellent staff, as well as some great support from our sixth form helper. Here are some photos showing the activities we took part in!