Camphill services impress Spokesperson for Education

The Scottish Liberal Democrats’ Spokesperson for Education, MSP Beatrice Wishart, visited Camphill School Aberdeen last week to find out more about its approaches to providing education and support to children and young people with complex needs.

Camphill School Aberdeen is committed to treating everyone with respect and dignity to enable them to discover their potential. The school uses a social pedagogical approach which is informed by the understanding of a spiritual dimension in each individual, and integrates education, care, crafts and therapy to create a holistic response to the needs of individuals. They have been delivering support to children and young people with complex needs for over 75 years, and currently provide services to more than 100 children and young people.

MSP comments on trailblazing school

Beatrice Wishart toured the Young Adults Service and said:

I’m very impressed with the Young Adults Service at Camphill’s Murtle Estate in Aberdeen, having spent the morning there with pupils and staff.

I saw participation in woodwork, metalwork and pottery workshops, as well as being shown some Shetland wool fleece used in sewing room crafts. And food from the estate farm prepared for lunch.

It is so important that young adults with additional support needs have access to opportunities to gain meaningful work experience and qualifications. Camphill School Aberdeen offers that as well as a welcoming space to develop creativity for all abilities and build on social skills.

The MSP later went on to say that she appreciated the “sense of calm which pervades the campus”….and called the school “trailblazing”.

Alex Busch, Camphill School Aberdeen’s Executive Director said, following the visit:

It was great to welcome Beatrice.  Her interest in Camphill and in our day services and skills development opportunities were very much appreciated and celebrated today.