A Derby special school has appointed a new head of provision who plans to foster a family atmosphere and nurturing environment which will allow pupils to thrive.
Martin Capewell has taken up the reins at The Kingsmead Special School, in Brighton Road, Alvaston, which was created last year to accommodate the rising number of children with Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) and special educational needs in the city.
There are around 85 children, aged between 11 and 16 years old, on role at the school who all have social, emotional and mental health issues and Martin plans to keep class sizes small – the largest has just seven pupils – and introduce on site vocational learning.
Some classes will run like a primary model, where children receive all their tuition from one teacher, and there will be learning support assistants in every classroom.
From left: Shay Macken (back row) and Junior Taylor, Karim Baptiste and head of provision Martin Capewell.
Martin said: “As this is a relatively new provision, we have a really unique opportunity to shape it into a nurturing and positive environment where pupils enjoy their school experience.
“Usually when you walk into a special school you feel that family atmosphere and we are seeing that vibe here. Staff are aware that positive relationships with pupils are absolutely vital for a school like ours and this will have a knock-on effect for teaching, learning and progress.
“Staff morale is really high and everyone here is enthusiastic about the future of the school. Pupils are responding well too; if they feel people care that’s half the battle and they will come with us on the journey.”
The special school decoupled from Kingsmead Pupil Referral Unit last year. Before this, special needs and permanently excluded children were taught together.
The building was formed by the amalgamation of the Wisgreaves Road and Southgate sites, which used to be accessed and run separately.
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A new kitchen has been built at the school so pupils can learn basic life skills and a new uniform has been introduced, which has led to a more professional approach to learning.
Martin took over the post in April, just after lockdown began, after 10 years at Queen’s Croft High School, in Lichfield. He has only recently met pupils face to face.
He added: “It was very odd starting my first day from home, but all the staff here have worked flexibly to support the students during lockdown and our pastoral leads did a fantastic job over the summer.
“Now we’re all here together we can really start to change the climate of the school, build those really important relationships between staff and children and when the needs of every child are being met we’ll see a huge rise in aspirations and achievement.”
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