Conquest Centre

12/06/2026

Last week we said a fond (temporary) farewell to Conquest Centre colleague Harriet as she begins her maternity leave.

We wish Harriet and her family all the very best as they prepare to welcome their new arrival. This is such a special time, and we hope it is filled with rest, excitement and lots of happy moments.

Harriet will be greatly missed by everyone here. Her support, warmth, and contribution to the team have meant a great deal, and things won’t quite be the same without her day-to-day presence.

We look forward to welcoming her back when the time is right, and in the meantime we are sending her all our very best wishes for the months ahead.

Take care, Harriet — we’ll miss you.

08/06/2026

We're a little late to the party, but we couldn't let Volunteers' Week pass without saying a huge THANK YOU to the incredible volunteers who give their time, skills, energy and kindness to support Conquest Centre.

Whether you're helping behind the scenes, supporting our activities, caring for our animals, fundraising, sharing your expertise, or simply being there when needed, you make a real difference every single day.

Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do. Your generosity helps us create opportunities, change lives and build a welcoming community for everyone who comes through our gates.

Although Volunteers' Week was last week, our appreciation for you lasts all year round. We are so grateful for everything you do and proud to have such a dedicated team supporting our mission.

From all of us at Conquest Centre – thank you. 💙

24/05/2026

Please see the Community Inclusion and Activity Team inclusive activities calendar for May Half Term attached. The calendar is full of fun activities for children and young people who have a disability and/or additional need, including seasonal forest activities, sensory gymnastics, skateboarding, bouldering, stories in the wild with Nelly the dog, and so much more!

The Community Inclusion Activity Team will be delivering a young people’s trip to Ark at Egwood, providing the opportunity to spend time with animals, enjoy outdoor games, learn bushcraft skills, and toast marshmallows over a campfire. There will also be a family trip to Wildwood, home to brown bears, wolves, Arctic foxes, red squirrels, and more.

The calendar, and more information about the Community Inclusion Activity Team, can be found under the Local Offer at https://www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/the-local-offer/leisure/activities-for-families/

21/05/2026

We are absolutely delighted to share that Conquest Centre was awarded

*Highly Commended* at the UCS Industry Skills Awards
*Inclusive Employment Champion* category. 🌟

To be recognised for the important work we do means so much to all of us. Every day we see the difference that inclusive opportunities, support, and belief in people can make, and we are incredibly proud of our team, participants, volunteers, and supporters who make this possible.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our journey — this recognition belongs to all of you too. 💙

21/05/2026

Email to [email protected] if you are interested in one of these spaces.

21/05/2026

20/05/2026

🐣 Meet the newest members of the Conquest Centre team! 🐣

They may be small, fluffy, and incredibly cute, but they’ve already made a big impression.

Did you know that a group of baby chicks is called a peep? 💛 The name comes from the adorable peeping sounds they make as they explore the world around them.

We’re delighted to welcome this tiny peep to the Conquest Centre family! 🐥✨

19/05/2026

📢 HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FUTURE OF SEND SUPPORT 📢

A national consultation on proposed reforms to the SEND system in England is currently open, giving families, carers, young people and professionals the opportunity to share their experiences and views before decisions are made.

The proposed changes could have a significant impact on children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as on the services and support available to them.

The consultation includes proposals relating to:
• Changes to how SEND support is assessed and delivered
• Greater focus on inclusion within mainstream education
• New national approaches and standards for SEND provision
• Potential changes affecting EHCPs and specialist support

There are a wide range of views, hopes and concerns being discussed across the SEND community, which is why it is so important that people with lived experience take the opportunity to contribute.

Whatever your perspective, this is your chance to help shape future SEND support.

Please take the time to read the proposals and share your views.

https://consult.education.gov.uk/send-strategy-division/send-reform-putting-children-and-young-people-firs/consultation/intro/

Find and participate in consultations run by the Department for Education