Aurora Foxes

Since 2023, Mark Costello. Previously business manager. Growing up in Minehead he has always known of Foxes and after working in finance and as a bank manager for nine years, looked for something more meaningful to him. Having worked with the career

Monthly open days for up to 20 parents include lunch, a presentation and tour, followed by an assessment day with therapists (with the option to stay over), before applying; this process has led to zero drop-out rate in recent years. Of the current

A futures careers fair held with employers including Hilton, Marriott, Butlins (within sight on the promenade), HIT Academy, Job Centre Plus and the National Careers Service is an inspiration for students. Attendees receive one-to-one careers

A training hotel and specialist residential college for 16-25s offering a three-year provision of vocational qualifications and experience in hospitality as well as independent living skills. The majority have some form of learning need: currently 63

Preparation for adulthood sessions twice-weekly include independent living, employment, health, friendships/relationships, with personal development and welfare covered. Zones of Regulation teach emotional awareness with easily recognisable posters

Numerous clubs run: art, dance, disco, drama, gym, karaoke, Makaton choir, singing and signing, and walking. The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award scheme is supported, up to gold.

The Hive building boasts a marvellous wooden ceiling and

Football is popular, with specialist coaches supporting all to play. Other options include cricket and walking clubs plus access in the wider community to swimming and a gym.

All board, in six properties (five in the town centre) housing 6 to 18 students each staffed 24-hours a day, including single-sex, one all-male house and a mixed-gender home. House-allocation is matched to level of independence and each student has

Staff to pupil ratio: 2:1. Occupational therapists and Speech and Language therapists on site full-time for both one-to-one and group therapy with communication support commonly specified as a need, for example we saw a student using a tablet

Students needing support go to their house manager who can access a therapy help desk. The principal cites the benefits of sharing good practice and therapy teams with Aurora Boveridge College in Dorset, including youth mental health support and a

Some students may arrive when a little older as a residential placement often far from home requires some maturity. One family told how their son gained an interest in hospitality when they went to stay in a hotel on holiday; another that when their

All LA funded through EHCPs. No fixed fee as dependent on provision needed but c£70,000 per annum. Students funded by 20 LAs, only three being local.

What makes Foxes unique is not only the lovely hotel but that students live in the community where they learn how to stay safe, to shop locally and where they receive community support. Students arrive from all over the country to this quiet seaside