Chailey Heritage Foundation

Chailey Heritage Foundation provides education and care services and is one of the UK’s leading centres for children and young people with complex neurodisabilities.

Most of the young people accessing our services have severe cerebral palsy, many have visual and/or other sensory impairments. All are wheelchair users and very few have verbal communication.

Our expertise is in maximising independence and choice, developing effective communication and providing powered mobility opportunities.

Founded in 1903 by Grace Kimmins, we still embrace her ethos today. We believe that each child and young person should have every opportunity to fulfil their potential, no matter what the challenges. Our promise today is that:

"We will never, ever give up working with children, young people and their families to empower them to make their own choices at every stage in life."

We have developed a world-class range of specialist services that are necessary to meet the needs of these disabled young people. We work in close partnership with Chailey Clinical Services, a nationally recognised specialist NHS tertiary service for children and young adults with complex neurological and physical disabilities. Being on the same site enables us to deliver uniquely, integrated multi-agency services for the benefit of the young people and their families.

The difference we make

The impact of the Foundation’s services comes not just in how many children and young people use our services but in the difference we make to their lives and that of their families.

Our Work

Under the Chailey Heritage Foundation umbrella, the Charity delivers services in five main areas:

Chailey Heritage School: a non-maintained special school for 3-19 year olds.

Chailey Heritage Residential: a 'home from home' offering a range of boarding options from short breaks through to 52-week care, for pupils from our school and other local special schools.

Chailey Heritage Futures: a residential transition service for young people from 16 years, acting as a stepping stone into adult life, and beyond.

Community Services: a vibrant day service in our Hub and pay-as-you-go sessions in our LSC, as well as out-of-school options for pupils.