The Hub is a unique provision for students with autism, high anxiety and or any social interaction difficulties that may impact on their ability to access the wider College.
Students are welcomed into a tailored micro-environment where they can retreat to self-regulate without having to ask for permission or feel judged.
Our staff collaborate with parents, carers, mentors, lecturers and other professionals to create a safe, bespoke and wholesome space for each student accessing The Hub.
Below is everything you need to know about The Hub:
Why was The Hub created?
‘The Hub’ was created following the Autism Strategy 2010 and has continued to evolve to meet the everchanging needs of our neurodivergent student community.
Jacqui Mann, Inclusive Learning Support Practitioner, has been an integral part of the service since its start in 2011.
Jacqui told us: “We identified some areas of improvement to better support learners with Autism.”
In response, EKC Broadstairs College created a space in the centre of the campus that provides easy access to those requiring support.
Why is The Hub successful with students?
The Hub is a transient, safe space with a focus on building autonomy, self-confidence, relationships and a ‘can do’ approach without judgement.
An important part of the success of The Hub is the familiar, consistent and supportive staff who are always on hand to listen to any concerns. It is a calm place where our student community can ‘unmask’.
What is a positive impact story that has come out of this provision?
Speaking to Jacqui there are many success stories that could be celebrated.
She said: “One student had found the College environment extremely overwhelming and experienced debilitating daily anxiety. After a gentle introduction to The Hub, he began to see this as a safe space.”
In time, and with a reassuring approach from Jacqui, his confidence grew as did his resilience and he was able to access lessons and social areas independently.
“Over the year at EKC Broadstairs College, he went on to become the Student President, secured a work placement and gained part time work. He said at the time:
‘The Hub certainly had a big effect on the person I am now.’”
Hear from current students:
Alyssa, one of our Junior College students, said: “I eat lunch in here sometimes when I have no one else to eat lunch with. Also, when I’m overwhelmed in class and hear too many noises I don’t like, I ask to come here and usually I can do that.
“I was telling my progression mentor about how I get overwhelmed in class and she told me about The Hub and said I can come here any time at lunch.”
Annabel, Level 2 Automotive student, said: “I come here for every lunch because I don’t like eating around a lot of people. I was home-schooled and I came to College, it felt weird. I got used to it. I like to play with the fidgets and eat my lunch here.”
Ethan, Level 2 Early Years students, said: “I started College in September and I’m enjoying it a lot. My mum found out about The Hub and asked about it to the staff.
“I use the computers in here a lot to work on my stories or to play some games. I also love to hold the cat, which I’ve named Snowball.”
If you are in need of support or would like to seek guidance, please visit our website to learn more about our extensive Service.
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