Anna Dixon MP for Shipley, has stated that a local primary school in her constituency could serve as a national example of providing quality provisions for children with special educational needs and disabilities in mainstream schools.
The MP's comments come after she visited Shipley C Of E Primary School last Friday and was given a tour of the school's facilities by Headteacher Gavin Hamilton.
During the visit, Ms Dixon was shown ‘The Orchard, ' an area of the school containing a series of classroom environments that are aimed at creating a more appropriate and supportive space for children for whom a mainstream classroom is challenging.
Most children who access ‘The Orchard’ have speech, communication and language difficulties, including autism, although other children can access the provision where it is appropriate.
The area of the school contains a range of facilities and provisions specifically designed to be better suited for children with SEND and is staffed by a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator and a team of trained support assistants who work with our children both in their main school classes and in ‘The Orchard’.
During her visit to the school, Anna Dixon was also given a tour of the rest of the school and met with staff and students, including answering questions about her role as a local MP from a class of year 6 students.
Speaking after the visit, Ms Dixon said: “I would like to thank Mr Hamilton and everyone else at Shipley C Of E Primary School for inviting me along to visit their school today.
“It was particularly great to learn more about the school’s approach to catering for children with SEND and to see their specialist provision in ‘The Orchard’.
"I have spoken in Parliament many times about the importance of prioritising support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in our mainstream local schools. I believe this school should serve as a national example of how we can effectively support SEND students in mainstream education.
“I strongly believe that spreading and sharing best practices is the most effective way to improve standards across the country, and with the extra £1 billion in the recent Budget for SEND provisions by the new Labour Government, it is crucial that we learn from the success of schools like this.”
Headteacher Gavin Hamilton said: “It was lovely to welcome Anna to school today.
“We have been keen to show her the great work in our school to adapt our learning and provisions for the needs of our children.”