SPECIAL SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

SCHOOL – Newfield School

BASED – Old Banks Lane, Blackburn

NUMBER OF PUPILS –147 pupils

MISSION/VISION – Inspire. Support. Achieve. Together.

THIS year, Newfield School achieved an “outstanding” Ofsted rating – testament to the hard work and commitment of the teachers and parents who ensure the pupils get the very best education.

“Newfield is not only a school for children with special needs; it is a very special school.

“Our staff work tirelessly to ensure our pupils make progress beyond what others expect of them, overcoming significant difficulties to shine,” said Jenny Riley, deputy head teacher.

This award, sponsored by Precious Moments, is the latest in a long line of achievements for the school – it already has autism accreditation for excellence; is a flagship school for inclusion and they are also ambassadors for children’s rights.

The judges were particularly struck by the way staff and parents worked together.

“Our parents tell us we are part of their extended families. Our children are the driving force in all that we do and achieve.

“Everyone plays their part in making each day special and each of us is proud to work, learn and share lives here,” said Jenny.

“As a whole school we are all just delighted to have been awarded Special School of the Year.

“We have achieved a number of accolades over the last few years.

“And for us the icing on the cake came earlier this year with the culmination of the hard work, commitment and dedication of everyone associated with the school ensuring that we attained the “Outstanding” status from Ofsted.

“For us to now have this further validation from our local newspaper is the cherry on top!” she added.

Now the school is looking ahead to even more exciting changes next year.

It is opening a new building in September, 2017, so it can increase its number of places for pupils with autism.