Chorus of approval as St Elizabeth’s opens new music room for children and young people with learning disabilities, epilepsy and other complex medical conditions
A state-of-the-art music room, named after the disabled student at the forefront of fundraising, has hit the right note at St Elizabeth’s in Perry Green.
The facility will be used by an increasing number of children and young people with learning disabilities, epilepsy and other complex medical conditions joining the charity’s school and college this year.
The Dylan Rix Music Room was officially opened by Ordinary2Extraordinary (O2E) board member Grant Howard.
In 2023, Bishop’s Stortford resident Grant and Dylan did a 180-mile (290km) sponsored ride from Dunkirk in France to Bruges in Belgium on a modified tricycle over three days.
With the proceeds from the ride and in partnership with O2E, St Elizabeth’s was able to stock the music room with instruments, music technology and sensory space for the children to enjoy.
Grant said: “We can see the difference our donations and work have made to each child, no matter how complex their needs, and it gives all of us at O2E great pleasure to be able to help you all.”
Since the start of the year, St Elizabeth’s has welcomed 50 new students, 20 of whom joined the school in September. In preparation, the school underwent a large expansion, with three additional classrooms bringing the total to 12.
Each classroom offers facilities based on children’s needs, including sensory spaces, dark rooms, ceiling hoists and personal care suites.
St Elizabeth’s has reached the finals in four award categories this year. It was short-listed in the Outstanding Contribution category at the National Children and Young People Awards and the Employer of the Year category at the SME Business Awards.
There were also nominations for Lisa Tooley, short-listed for Head Teacher of the Year at the Education Today Awards, and registered manager Jenny Green in the Care Leadership Category at the Herts Care Awards 2024.
Over the past 12 months, two of the charity’s services – supported living and adult day opportunities – were rated ‘good’ in PAMMS (Provider Assessment and Market Management Solution) inspections. This bolsters good Ofsted ratings and an outstanding result from the Catholic Schools Inspectorate.
St Elizabeth’s chief executive Jill Rankin said: “This year’s achievements are a testament to the dedication of our team, the resilience of the communities we serve and the power of collaboration.
“We recognise that our work is far from over and the challenges we face demand ongoing commitment and bold action. Guided by our values and driven by our vision for a more equitable and sustainable future, we are prepared to meet these challenges head-on.”
This year, the charity has organised a weekly community bus for elderly neighbours. The service is run by volunteers so residents can get to shops and leisure facilities.
St Elizabeth’s has also provided a temporary home for Mencap charity Grove Cottage’s nursery while its London Road base in Bishop’s Stortford is rebuilt.
