On 15th January, Maureen Devereux proudly opened the ‘Devereux Resource Centre for students with ASD and additional mental health needs, the first of its kind in Wandsworth.
The new base has been named in honour of Sean Devereux, in keeping with the school’s tradition of naming its learning support provision after individuals who embody the Salesian ethos (St Francis of Sales, St Dominic Savio).
In a moving speech to specially invited officials, councillors, dignitaries from the Wandsworth area, staff and students, Mrs Devereux spoke about her son Sean - a Salesian missionary and aid worker whose life was dedicated to helping others. His motto, “While my heart beats, I have to do what I think I can do – and that is to help those that are less fortunate,” serves as a reminder to our school community about the value of service and compassion.
St John Bosco College will be providing a targeted specialist resource base provision for young people who have an EHCP specifying ASD or Social Communication Disorder needs as a prime need and who have complex mental health needs including high levels of anxiety, eating disorders, phobias or self-harming behaviours. The strong, caring and inclusive ethos of our Catholic school as well as its relatively small size will provide robust pastoral care and support for students with such needs. This fits into the schools wider vision in terms of inclusivity, pastoral care and working closely with the local Wandsworth community.
Although the Devereux Centre curriculum will be delivered largely in 1-1 or small group settings, young people will have the learning potential to follow a broadly age appropriate curriculum. It is intended that these young people, with significant adjustments over time, will be able to access aspects of a mainstream school environment with additional specialist support.
