Percy Hedley Foundation

Jim Ferris

Jim Ferris B.A., MSc., C.Psychol

Jim Ferris arrived at Percy Hedley as Head Teacher in 1985, and became the Foundation's Chief Executive in 1995. He began his career as a teacher thirty six years ago, the last thirty in special education and caring for people with special needs as a Care Worker, Teacher, Psychologist, Head Teacher and Chief Executive. He has served on numerous bodies, including the Health Authority, the Scottish Office, Cerebral Palsy Ireland and was Chair of the UK Federation for Conductive Education for three years in the 1990s.

"Arriving at the Percy Hedley Foundation in 1985, I was struck by the school's unique qualities, its specialism, its professionalism, and the integrated approach to therapy and education. My vision was to develop these qualities further, and to secure the school's reputation regionally, nationally and internationally. The visit of the Princess of Wales in 1989 cemented that recognition. The school continued to develop and expand. By 1995, it had a record number of pupils, the nursery and primary departments of the school had been rebuilt, and a new boarding unit provided the highest quality care, short breaks and adventure weekends for pupils.

In 1995, I became the Percy Hedley Foundation's first Chief Executive, with a vision to initiate the same quality of provision within Adult Services. The past ten years have seen a positive explosion of development for adults and children. Developments for adults include a social activity centre opened by HRH The Duke of York, a unique covered street of bungalows, a major refurbishment of the Day Centre to provide a wide range of Day Care Services, including an ICT suite, music studio, multi sensory rooms, horticultures, living skills, outdoor pursuits and physiotherapy. Developments for children have included a new secondary school, which was opened by HRH Princess Alexandra, a post-16 centre, a Family Support Service and a School for Parents.

I am proud and privileged to have led the Foundation through such an exciting period of sustained achievement, but we do not intend to rest on our laurels. A new management structure has recently been created to drive forward yet further services, including a specialist college for young adults. A new specialist sports centre for disability sports is under construction and due for completion in summer 2005. The merger with Northern Counties School now underway introduces the potential to take the Percy Hedley Foundation into a new dimension by providing specialist services for children and adults with significant hearing impairment.

The Foundation's goal is to 'promote the rights, needs and aspirations of people with disabilities'. To this end, it continues to listen to children, families and adults, and to develop the services they want and need. I look forward to leading the enlarged Foundation into providing yet more very high quality services for people with disabilities."

As well as Chief Executive Officer, Jim Ferris continues to operate as one of the Foundation's Developmental & Educational Psychologists.