Condover College is a Shropshire-based care and education provider, supporting adults with learning disabilities and additional needs. Here their Chief Executive, Vikki Pryce, discusses how building truly inclusive communities starts with partnership, purpose, and person-centred practice.
At Condover College (CCL), inclusion is a way of life. Located in the heart of Shropshire, we support adults aged 18+ with moderate to severe learning disabilities, providing residential care, education, short breaks and day services.
Our residential homes are rated ‘Outstanding or Good’ by CQC, and our education provision received an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted grade. Our ambition is simple: to provide an outstanding service ensuring every individual feels valued, supported, and truly included.
That belief drives every decision we make and inspires us to deliver care and education that are not only high-quality but deeply personal from tailored learning plans to community engagement initiatives.
We focus on person-centred support, helping each individual thrive in their own unique way. Engaging in meaningful roles through supported employment, volunteering, and social enterprise projects. By building confidence and fostering independence, we empower them to become active members of their communities. From learning everyday life skills like cooking and budgeting to delivering newsletters or participating in recycling initiatives, our programmes are hands-on and transformative.
Our strong partnerships with local businesses also open the door to work experience opportunities. These placements often mark the first step toward long-term, rewarding employment. Whether it’s stocking shelves in a local shop or assisting with hospitality at a local garden centre, these experiences help build not only job skills but also self-worth and pride.
But these achievements don’t happen by accident. They come from a culture of listening—listening to each individual, their families and our staff. We don’t chase rapid growth. Expanding our services too quickly could dilute the quality of our care, so instead, we’ve focused on measured development. By investing in our infrastructure and people at the right pace, we ensure that every new initiative meets our high standards – inclusion and quality are never compromised.
Our staff are highly valued, and we’re proud to go above and beyond in supporting them. Training is extensive and ongoing, aligned with Oliver McGowan standards and statutory requirements. From Safeguarding and Autism Awareness to specialist care practices like Dysphagia and Texture Modification, our team is equipped to provide exceptional care from day one. A robust three-month induction for support workers, including mentoring and in-house training, sets the foundation for long-term excellence.
Staff wellbeing is a priority. We believe that when our team feels supported, that energy is passed on to the people we support. That’s why we offer free physiotherapy, confidential counselling, and celebrate staff contributions with long-service and excellence awards at our annual conference. It’s all part of our commitment to building not just a workplace, but a thriving, resilient community.
Resilience is a cornerstone of our long-term vision. We’ve built financial stability and a robust governance to ensure that families can trust in the security and longevity of Condover College. Adaptability is also key – we plan for the future while always staying rooted in our core mission: to empower individuals to live a fulfilling life.
Inclusion, for us, isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about building genuine, lasting relationships. It’s about recognising the dignity and potential in each individual and ensuring they have the tools, support, and opportunities to live full, meaningful lives.
At CCL, we don’t simply support people with learning disabilities—we stand alongside them as partners, advocates, and allies. Inclusion is not just something we aim for. It’s something we live. Every day.
