CAY College

Training, understanding and reflection is at the centre of CAY. To be an authentic and genuine provision, investment in our staff is a non-negotiable.
Tonight, we revisited the zones of regulation, looking at what these mean for our students and how we can meaningfully apply them to their world, and make it a better place for them to thrive.

We ended our half term with a morning of celebrating the Chinese New Year. From learning how to have dexterity with chop sticks, to mastering the Chinese alphabet through to recreating a dragon. Our students embraced the event in their normal “can do” way. We are so proud of their achievements this morning.

From “Mysterious Minds”.

Parent: I'm Struggling...
Camhs: You’re not Struggling enough yet.
Services: You seem to be managing realy well.
School: They’re fine here.

Parent: OK seriously I’m really Struggling please help me...
Camhs: Ok, we will help in 18-24 months.
Services: You are coping so well it’s brilliant.
School: Still fine in school.

Parent: I'm begging you, I can’t do this...
Camhs: Only 12-18 months left to wait.
Services: You’re not parenting right, take a parenting course.
School: We don’t see any issues apart from the fact you’re always late.

Parent: My child is out of control and a danger to themselves and others, I can't cope, I’m Struggling, please help me...
Camhs: Fine you’re on the urgent pathway, see you in 4-6 months
Services: You can't keep your child safe, we are sending a Social worker, you should really be trying to help your child.
School: If they have anymore time off you will get a fine, they cope fine once they are here.

Parent: Why is no one helping me?...
Camhs: ........................
Services: .....................
School: .........................

Parent: Omg we finally got here...we are going to get the help we need!...
Camhs: Yes they have Additional needs there is a diagnosis report on its way in the post.
Services: Here’s some leaflets.
School: Ok that’s fine we will continue to do what we have being doing, we will just tick a box on some paper.

Parent: So what now...Who do we receive help and support from?
Camhs: ....not us sorry....
Services: ....not us sorry...
School: ....EHCP? No you don't need that, also not us sorry....

This is reality of what we go through, the truth, the Struggling, the lack of support, empathy and general lack of resources... if you too are going through this, Im sorry, just know you are not alone, keep going, one day the clouds won't be as heavy

❤🧡💛

If this story feels far too familiar, we know, we see you, you’re not alone.

We shelter our students, our parents, our CAY families when no one else seems to understand.

We support families with navigating the EHCP process, with young people who have been rejected or hurt by education and help with engagement with the life they deserve.

Please reach out to us if you think we can help.
[email protected]

We are super proud of our students who were the creators of our pop-up shop and raised money for a local charity and for a college-based project.
Today, they formally presented the cheque to MIND Sussex. A huge thank you to all our CAY community who supported our shop, for
the hard work of our student ambassadors (Lilly, Brandon and Harvey) and our wonderful project manager, Sarah C.

Our students and staff truly put themselves into the heart of our community. We always try to reach out to those around us. This year, we gave hand made cards and presents to the residents of Melrose Nursing home.

Wishing all the members of our CAY family a wonderful Christmas ❤️

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BtmpbcSoW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Thank you to all the students, staff, families, friends and local people who made this happen. Raising nearly £500 for our student-chosen charity Mind and for our new cooking hub which will be opening in 2026. ❤️

Worthing students’ creativity impresses at pop-up Christmas shop A Worthing college's pop-up Christmas shop has raised just under £500, with half going to West Sussex Mind.

A huge and heartfelt THANK YOU for the overwhelming support our community has given us today. Our students have experienced so much pride seeing their creations being admired by the citizens of Worthing. So excited by the rest of the week!

The shop is all set up for the grand opening tomorrow at The Colonnade House. We cannot wait to see you there ❤️

We are in the local press!
Our shop will soon be open.
Well done to the students and staff for all their hard work ❤️

Students host pop-up Worthing Christmas shop filled with handmade decorations and cards An alternative provision school based in Worthing is hosting a pop-up Christmas shop to showcase the students' work and raise money for charity.

The wait is almost over!
The pop up shop in Colonnade House will be open for one week only from Tuesday.
All the items are sustainable creations made by our talented students.
Please share with all your family and friends.
❤️

Our Christmas Elves have been working so hard to create a beautiful range of sustainable decorations. It is almost time for us to showcase the CAY College talent

Here are the details and we would love for you to join us for our week in the gallery.

Please share and encourage family & friends to come too.

This is a huge achievement for our students, many who never imagined accessing education and now they have created the most amazing pop up shop.

Look forward to seeing you there!

CAY College - Colonnade House CAY College students will be displaying a variety of artwork for one week in the gallery.