A LOWTON charity has been named Small Employer of the Year in recognition of its commitment to supporting apprentices.
Remarkable Autism received the award at the University of Huddersfield’s Apprenticeship Awards 2025 on Friday, June 6, for its work in building opportunities for occupational therapist apprentices.
The charity's integrated service, Newton-le-Willows-based Sundial Therapy, provides therapeutic support to autistic individuals aged five to 25 at Wargrave House School and Ascent Autism Specialist College.
Occupational therapist apprentices provide bespoke therapy to students at the two schools to develop students' fine and gross motor skills and coordination, sensory processing, and independence.
Two apprentices, Cathy Bayliss and Stanislav Lipinski, were highlighted for the "significant impact" they have made through their work at Sundial Therapy.
Head of therapy and clinical services at Sundial Therapy, Susie Grubert, said: "We are delighted to be named Small Employer of the Year.
"Our apprentices are a key part of our overall team’s success, and, since they joined the team in September 2024, we have been able to reintroduce our therapeutic groups.
"We have also seen the engagement and progress of students improve significantly as Cathy and Stanislav have been able to develop bespoke resources that meet the needs and interests of all individuals."
CEO of Remarkable Autism, Robin Bush, added: "Over the past two years we have been dedicated to nurturing talent whilst fostering a culture of continuous professional development through apprenticeships, and are thrilled to be recognised for this work as Small Employer of the Year.
"By hiring apprentices across our provisions, we’re able to expand our capacity and support autistic young people to redefine what’s possible, break down barriers and, ultimately, empower them to live happy and fulfilled lives, all whilst training the next generation of skilled professionals at the same time!"
Five judges from across the University of Huddersfield read more than 65 anonymised entries, and scored them independently, to determine the award winner.
Professor Bob Cryan CBE presented the award at the university’s Oastler building on the day.
More information about Remarkable Autism is available at https://www.remarkable-autism.org/
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