Help Us Build a Dedicated Exam Centre and Co-Lab Space for Home-Educated and Neurodiverse Students in Wales
Hello, I’m Kate, co-founder of Manna Education CIC and Crossroads Educational Consultants. Alongside my husband Gavin and a small team of dedicated educators, we are on a mission to make a difference for children in Wales who are “forced” into home education due to unmet needs in mainstream schools. Many of these students are neurodiverse, facing challenges like Emotional-Based School Avoidance (EBSA) or Additional Learning Needs (ALN), which can make traditional school environments overwhelming. For families and their children, options are limited. We’re here to change that.
In the 2023/24 academic year, over 6,000 children in Wales were recorded as home-educated—a number that’s rising. These students are not just statistics; they’re our future workforce, creators, and community members. Guided by the Welsh Government’s Well-being of Future Generations Act, we believe every child deserves a truly inclusive education that prepares them for life, career, and well-being. We invite local businesses to join us in building Ty Manna, a dedicated exam and co-lab center tailored to meet the needs of Wales’ home-educated and neurodiverse students and their families.
Ty Manna will provide:
- A neuro-sensitive exam environment that supports students with sensory sensitivities and anxiety, empowering them to gain qualifications in a calm, supportive setting.
- Accessible, tailored exam arrangements that break down logistical and financial barriers, helping home-educated students gain the qualifications they need to reach their full potential.
- A collaborative co-lab space designed for home-educating families, where parents working from home can find a productive workspace while their children are engaged in learning. This co-lab will create a vital community hub, connecting parents and students alike.
- A flexible resource for mainstream schools, which can use this exam center to meet the needs of neurodiverse students, saving on invigilation costs while ensuring students have an environment conducive to success.
This is more than an exam center; it’s an investment in our community and our future. With Level 7 ALNCo Sarah Jakeman from Access Arrangements Solutions on board, we’ll ensure that all exam access arrangements meet the individual needs of learners with ALN, creating an authentically inclusive, neurodiverse-friendly space.
Your support can help us make Ty Manna a long-term resource for Wales—one that aligns with the Welsh Government’s commitment to well-being for future generations. Every contribution brings us closer to a brighter future, where students thrive, parents find balance, and our community grows stronger.
Together, we can create a place where every learner is supported, every parent finds community, and the future of Wales is empowered by an inclusive, resilient workforce. Let’s make this vision real—for the children, for families, and for Wales.