YOUNG people from the Chailey Heritage Foundation got together with staff, family and friends for the charity’s annual celebration day.

It was held to recognise the efforts and achievements made by all the pupils at the school and the young adults living on site.

The theme this year was the Sixties and everyone got into the swing of things, dressing up and enjoying the carnival atmosphere.

Awards presented on the day recognised the tremendous efforts and achievements in areas such as communication and powered wheelchair driving.

It also reflected the care and affection shown to one another and those around them, often in the face of very serious and demanding challenges and circumstances.

Simon Yates, headteacher of Chailey Heritage School, said: “Celebration Day is such a wonderful occasion.

“These young people never cease to amaze me.

“They are so determined to pursue their potential and what’s truly inspiring is just how much heart they show towards their peers and those of us lucky enough to be around them.”

Chailey Heritage Foundation is a Sussex charity providing education, care and transition services for children and young adults aged three and upwards. It was founded in 1903.

The charity has a school which specialises in working with children with very complex neuro-disabilities and high health needs.

It has 81 pupils aged three to 19 from ten local authorities across the home counties and London.

Its residential arm offers flexible packages to children needing specialist care and therapy. It also runs the charity’s transition provision for young adults – Chailey Heritage Futures.

This group of services provides residential accommodation with support and preparation for adulthood for those aged 19 to 25, as well as a Futures Life Skills Centre and Futures Hub, that are also open to young adults with disabilities from the community.

In autumn 2016 the charity launched Chailey Heritage Pathways, offering young people, their families and carers its experience and expertise directly in their home or out in the wider community.

The foundation shares its site with clinical partners, Chailey Clinical Services, part of Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust.