The final week of term before Christmas is always a full calendar of Christmas events for the autistic young people with complex needs at Prior's Court.

Here is what happened in 2024:

Monday, 16 December

The week kicked off with our own take on Christmas Jumper Day.

Young people and staff donned their best Christmas Jumper but with staff members encouraged to do so in exchange for a donation of sweet treats for those dedicated staff members who will be working at Prior's Court on Christmas Day itself.

Tuesday, 17 December

Tuesday was all about "elf-iness" as our Healthiness team put on a series of festive-themed Christmas activities.

Fun and games included a "snowball and spoon" race, an Elf Christmas Workout and a "find the reindeer" series of exercise stations on our Track.

And we had a visit from Tall Tales theatre company who put on a performance of The Snow Queen for our post-16 young people.

Wednesday, 18 December

There was a double dose of festive fun on Wednesday.

Jet and Flash the reindeer from Riverways Farm paid a visit to our Countryside Learning Centre, with young people and staff alike getting involved in petting and feeding the pair.

And performers from Prior's Court Band put on a concert of festive tunes for three concerts. Classics such as Last Christmas, Fairytale of New York and more were performed, while young people also showcased our new Christmas song created with Downe House School, Christmas Joy.

Thursday, 19 December

Santa's Grotto landed at Prior's Court with Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas on-hand to present gifts to each young person in Prior's Court School.

After a visit to the grotto, it was time for Christmas Lunch in our dining room. Members of our Executive and Operational Leadership teams donned festive fancy dress to serve lunch to young people and staff members alike.

Meanwhile, Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas (and some of the Christmas Lunch festive helpers) also paid a visit to the Young Adult Provision Christmas party to hand out presents to each of the young adults we support.

Friday, 20 December

The week concluded with our annual Christmas Carol Concert, with music provided by our friends Watership Brass Band.

Over three concerts for the different age groups, young people, their families and Prior's Court staff members had a wonderful shared experience full of festive joy.

Donate to our Christmas Appeal

Our 2024 Christmas Appeal is all about raising money for our Fun and Recreation appeal which will then support events like those on this page to happen in 2025.

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