Staff at Summergil House in Presteigne have been recognised for their leadership skills and dignity in providing care for children with autism, by their peers at Orbis Education and Care.

Head of Education Rachel Hackling beat off some stiff competition to take the Leadership and Management in Education title, with Teacher Eve Hodnett taking the Dignity in Education and Care award.

Team Leader Steven Pritchard also took the Promoting Fulfilled Lives Award back to Summergil House from the 2019 event in Cardiff.

Orbis Education and Care, which runs 16 services including schools, residential homes and day facilities for children and adults with complex needs associated with autism, is itself an award-winning industry-leading service provider operating in England and Wales, employing around 650 staff.

Carl Carter, Registered Manager at Summergil House said: “We are absolutely delighted to have the hard work and dedication of our team here at Summergil House recognised by our organisation as a whole.’

“The team at Summergil work to support individuals to be actively involved in their communities and in all aspects of their lives. There is a huge focus on helping children to develop independence both in the home and the community, and this is achieved in large part through the care, patience and dedication of our wonderful staff.”

As Wales’ largest independent provider of care and education services for those with needs associated with autism, Orbis focuses on supporting individuals with complex needs to live as independently as possible.

Summergil House is set within 18-acres of fields and woodlands in Presteigne, and comprises of lots of on-site facilities including a sports hall, polytunnels, smallholding, swimming pool and lots of outdoor play areas. The service supports children from 8-19 with complex needs, in both education and residential care.

Mike Currier, CEO at Orbis Education and Care said: “Taking the time to step back and appreciate the dedication of the team is particularly important. The staff across the whole group work tirelessly to support residents and pupils, keeping them safe, engaged and progressing. Orbis’ growing reputation as a leading specialist provider is in many ways thanks to the experience, expertise and dedication of the team within.”

“Our annual awards ceremony plays a pivotal role in enabling us to say thank you not only to those recognised with individual accolades on the evening, but to all of our staff here at Orbis for their sheer dedication and support of the organisation as a whole and the children in our care.” Mike added.