Community links
As a school we have many links with our community. Some are long established but continue to develop and some are new which have been brought about through our designation as a school with Specialist School Status.
Our pupils and students have opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds and to interact socially and share a common purpose. Pupils from other schools also gain from these activities, learning new skills and understanding more about people with disabilities. They learn how to communicate with each other and this leads to a shared enjoyment of time together.
We have had exciting links with a number of local primary and secondary schools, joining together for activities such as the ‘Kielder Challenge’. Two years ago we won our regional final and went on to participate with other teams from across the country as a whole.
We have been able to invite pupils with disabilities from main stream schools to participate with us in sporting events including our very popular Gym sessions with a qualified gym coach from Cheltenham. Other joint events have been a steel band performance, drama events and our bi-annual Music prom in which our pupils and students, partner schools, other special schools and community partners were all involved. It was really enjoyable and the music was amazing from quiet signing of a hymn to loud drumming and everything in between.
"The school is extremely successful in working with parents, carers and other partners to extend pupils’ education and to promote community cohesion."
"Pupils make an outstanding contribution to the school and wider community."
Ofsted 2011
