Paradise Gems

A non-profit organisation providing Care and Education for children and young people with SEN/D (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) in Preston.

Founded by pioneering couple Luckman Ismail and Sajedah Maka-Ismail, our doors first opened to students in November 2022.

We currently operate out of Frenchwood Community Primary School and the demand for spaces has only increased due to the major shortfall of facilities and resources catering to students with SEN/D in mainstream settings.

This lack of time, space, and resources has led to an outcry of parents seeking some form of inclusive education for their children who require an environment catered to their more specific needs. At Paradise Gems, we take the time and effort to understand each child's needs and provide the resources needed to enable focused learning at their own individual pace.

So far, this personalised approach of teaching and caring has created a safe space for our children and taken a weight off many parents' shoulders. However, our mission does not end here.

Raising awareness and having the right conversations within our community will always be a crucial element of this organisation. Educating each other on the reality of living with a disability and recognising our responsibility towards one another is just as important as providing the right resources and care.

Equal opportunities, education and respite Although vital to our organisation, our vision for this facility goes beyond Islamic Education. At it's core, Paradise Gems is all about contributing to social inclusion and diversity through the facilities and resources it provides.

We believe it is imperative that individuals with SEN/D receive equal opportunities to education and understanding that this looks different to mainstream provision is the first step to being able to empower and educate them effectively. We strive to provide that equality and empowerment to everyone and we truly believe these gems are the key to our Paradise in the hereafter.

The better we educate ourselves on the restrictions faced by individuals with disabilities, the better we can provide support and facilitate to their needs. It is for this reason we turn to specialists who can provide our staff the right training and insight in order to constantly enhance and improve our approach.

So many selfless individuals make sacrifices to become carers for family members living with intellectual and physical disabilities and elderly family members. There will always be a demand for care however the perspective of being a carer is shifting and we're beginning to acknowledge the mental strain it can cause.

Equally, we respect and understand that families and communities don't want to see their loved ones in care homes, hence our facilities at Paradise Gems aim to lift the weight where possible and ensure carers receive respite. We appeal to everyone in our community to come together to support this much needed facility in the city of Preston.

Let's make Preston a leading example for other towns and cities to open up facilities for children and young adults with SEN/D.

How we provide effective and individualised education and care:

• Help advance Special Education for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in a safe and suitable environment.
• Enable our pupils to observe principles and practices through individualised teaching that considers Education, Health, and Care Plans.
• Provide a sense of inclusion and empowerment through knowledge that will aid in the understanding of faith and everyday life.
• Lead our pupils to become responsible, respectful individuals.
• Improve their social and emotional capabilities to equip them with more independence.
• Consistently build relations with everyone to effectively implement appropriate learning styles.
• Demonstrate the belief that all pupils are of equal worth regardless of their gender, ethnicity, needs and circumstances.
• Provide carers respite and peace of mind knowing the individual they care for is in a safe environment learning and being looked after.