Our Story
The Full Story
One summer day, Mica Coleman Jones (Lilya's sister) and Helen Jones (Lilya's Mum) sat in their garden discussing education as it is and decided they wanted to take positive action to set up a school which aims to meet the needs of neurodivergent children and young people by doing things a little differently. So, they set about to recruit a diverse governing board with a range of skills and expertise.
From the beginning, neurodivergent children and young people and their families have been involved in the design of The Lilya Lighthouse Education Trust. We have also listened to the views of practitioners working in both mainstream and specialist education to develop a philosophy which works for everyone.
August 2021
Helen Jones (Lilya's Mum) and Mica Coleman Jones (Lilya's sister) agree to explore opportunities for setting up educational provision in Lilya's memory.
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March 2023
The Lilya Lighthouse Education Trust Ltd is registered and listed with Companies House.
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May 2023
A co-production event with families is held to identify key themes for setting up a school which works for everyone. Read more here: Co-Production Event (lilyalighthousetrust.co.uk)
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July 2023
Trustees and volunteers work together to set up our '50 Voices' project with an aim to gather the voices of neurodivergent young people, their families, and neurodivergent staff working in schools. Read more here: Co-Production | The Lilya Lighthouse (lilyalighthousetrust.co.uk)
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August 2023
Trustees meet to agree to the set up of Alternative Provision in line with philosophy.
May 2024
Our application to become a Nottingham City Council accredited provider is successful.
An 'intent to open' launch event is held to coincide with what would have been Lilya's 18th birthday.
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Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.