Special School of the Year sponsored by EPSL Educational Printing

SCHOOL - Holly Grove School

BASED - Burnley Campus, Barden Lane, Burnley

NUMBER OF PUPILS - 96

SCHOOL MISSION/VISION - Together we learn, together we achieve

HOLLY Grove School’s role in the wider community was part of the appeal for the judges in this category. With a new head teacher, Karen Alty, and a new deputy head teacher, Eve Taylor at the helm the school is helping pupils build their confidence and find their place in the local community.

The school in Burnley recently opened a new building which includes a Therapy Unit with sensory processing and rebound therapy studios enabling the pupils to have their educational needs met regardless of their disability.

The Georgia Fourie Butterfly Fund was also started by the school to give pupils and their families financial help. Parents can apply to the Fund every six months to purchase toys, outdoor equipment and other items.

Learning support assistant Katrina Meager nominated the school.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted that Holly Grove School is receiving the award for Special School of the Year.

"I feel that this will give the whole school such fantastic recognition for their dedication and hard work and I can’t think of a team that deserves it more.

"Holly Grove has also just been awarded the Leading Parent Partnership Award and I feel this is another fantastic accolade that shows what a successful and inspiring school this is.

"I feel Holly Grove is always striving for excellence and this award could not come at a better time to say thank to the whole team for making our school such an amazing place for our children to come and learn.

“Holly Grove School prides itself on not only supporting its own pupils but also supporting mainstream schools in our local area.

"We have a dedicated team that visit and support schools to offer them guidance ensuring pupils are able to continue to access mainstream education but also have the expertise of the special schools at hand. This partnership has also made parents from outside Holly Grove School aware of the support that is available at our school,” she said.