Pupils at two of Derby’s special schools enjoyed showing a Government minister how well they have adapted to changes in their education during the coronavirus pandemic and how they are being supported to catch-up.
Vicky Ford, the Secretary of State for Children and Families, was invited to see the good work being undertaken at city schools by Amanda Solloway, MP for Derby North.
She spent an hour with youngsters at The Hive provision which belongs to St Giles School, the city’s only primary school for children with special educational needs. After a tour of its award-winning Forest School, Mrs Ford also joined in a phonics session and met members of the school council.
Tom Few, lead teacher at The Hive; St Giles School’s extra provision for children living in Derby city with additional needs, says that the catch-up funding will be spent on yoga sessions for the pupils and also on outdoor learning.
Vicky Ford, the Secretary of State for Children and Families, was invited to see the good work being undertaken at city schools St Giles and Royal School for the Deaf by Amanda Solloway, MP for Derby North.
He said: “Occupational therapies are so important to our children at St Giles School and we know first-hand the benefits of yoga sessions for the children and being outdoors can have from previous experience.
“We’re proud here at St Giles of our inclusive and award-winning outdoor education programme, which helps youngsters increase their communication abilities, their capacity to work independently towards and adult life and building sense of community in which pupils are happy and engaged.”
Mrs Ford also learned how St Giles School is using the Government’s catch-up funding for SEND therapies including physiotherapy, horse riding – which takes place at Scropton Riding for the Disabled – and swimming.
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Executive head teacher Clive Lawrence said: “It was great for our student council to share their learning experiences with Mrs Ford, both in school and whilst home learning during lockdown.
“She was very keen to hear about their experiences, what they liked about being at St Giles and The Hive and their experiences, too, of mainstream primary school.
“I was pleased to hear that she is an advocate of special schools using their Covid catch-up funding for SEND therapies and for outdoor learning experiences, which will support their well-being.”
Vicky Ford MP (left) enjoying the trim trail with Derby North MP Amanda Solloway at Royal School for the Deaf Derby
Mrs Ford also visited pupils at Royal School for the Deaf Derby, in Ashbourne Road, to find out how staff are supporting children with learning, well-being and confidence after a challenging 12 months.
She enjoyed a school dinner with pupils before a tour of the brand-new school library and a chat with sixth formers having driving theory lessons.
Head teacher Helen Shepherd said: “Everyone at our school is committed to ensuring the partial school closures have a minimal effect on the students’ learning and well-being and we are passionate that every young person, no matter what their age, where they live or what their disabilities are gets the education, opportunities and outcomes they deserve.
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“The Children’s Minister was very interested in the work we are doing to help reduce anxieties amongst students, with work such as art therapy and one-to-one support, and our pupils were keen to tell her about how glad they are to be back at school.”
Amanda Solloway said: “I know there are many superb schools in the city where staff went above and beyond to ensure the education of their pupils remained on track during the pandemic.
“I was proud to show Minister Ford around two really exceptional special schools, where pupils have been brilliantly resilient, and staff exceptionally dedicated in the hardest of circumstances.
“It was pleasing to see pupils engaging really well with their special visitor and asked some really excellent questions.”
Mrs Ford said: “I was thoroughly impressed with both the schools I visited in Derby.
“It was really positive to see the catch-up and recovery funding being used to bring in more therapy for children with special needs at St Giles and I was really impressed with the ambitions and passion from staff at the Royal School for the Deaf Derby to ensure that education opens opportunities for every child.”
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