VIEW FROM THE CLASSROOM


as they are so vitally needed for high needs students. Kate commented: “I personally accompany


families to college open evenings to continue the dedicated CC support outside of the classroom and to liaise with the staff at other establishments to ensure the provision is right for each individual student.” Her parents commented that without this


provision, their child would not have been able to access mainstream school and would have gained the independence and lifestyles needed for later life. Throughout a child’s time in the CC Group,


parents are kept up-to-date regularly with how they are progressing with detailed reports and parent/teacher consultation evenings. Kate said: “These consultation evenings aren’t


like an ordinary parents’ evening; they allow us to showcase all elements of the provision whilst including the students too. “We encourage the children to share with their


Most recently this year, teaching assistant, Miss


Helen Greenway, was also recognised by the Educate Awards and was named ‘School Support Star of the Year’. Miss Greenway was applauded for her


dedication to Rainford’s CC provision. She consistently sets high expectations for her students so that they can achieve their best at their pace. She goes above and beyond to get to know each student and finds the right intervention for them to progress. Miss Greenway said: “I really enjoy all aspects


of my job at Rainford High, but a few highlights are working with an amazing team of staff and supporting all of students. I feel a massive sense of achievement seeing the students progressing and gaining various qualifications, via the support I have given them.” Like for many schools, the pandemic created


many challenges and hurdles. For the CC Group, it was ‘business as usual’ as most of the vulnerable students were expected to still attend school. Whilst nine out of 11 students were present in class, many lessons were live streamed to those who, for various reasons, were unable to come in. COVID-19 did mean that some of the


opportunities that the students usually get to experience were put on hold, for example, trips to outside organisations. During this time, staff did their best to explain what was happening and why the world that students once knew, has changed so suddenly. Kate said: “Such changes to daily routines can


bring on anxiety amongst students and so we initially channelled a lot of our time into explaining what coronavirus is and how lockdown will temporarily change their lives. “As we remained in school, this allowed us to


monitor how the pandemic was affecting our students and we could tailor our lessons accordingly if we needed to help alleviate any worries they had.” One annual trip that sadly had to be arranged


was one that allows the students to go Christmas shopping. Whilst it might sound like a great day out, the trip is rich in life experiences for the children as they are tasked with shopping for


May 2021 www.education-today.co.uk 17


presents for their families. They are expected to use their imagination and think of what presents their loved ones would like to receive, work out how much the presents are and how much money they will need for the trip, purchase the presents in a shop and take them back to school and wrap them up ready for the big day. Even though the provision is still in its infancy,


there has been some heart-warming success stories, such as one student who is now gone on to college. The student originally started in the Excel


provision, another SEND support group within the school, but the staff recognised that she needed a much more refined and personalised learning package, which the CC Group was able to provide. Although the usual GCSE path was not right


for her, she gained the appropriate qualifications in maths and English and an additional one in Personal Development (ASDAN). She has since gone on to study a foundation programme at a local college where the life skills have continued


families what they have been learning in the classroom as the students take real pride in their work and love showing them what they have been learning. They also do a performance for them!” Parents of children in the CC Group have also


formed close connections and chat with each other during drop-off and pick up times. Kate added: “It is great to see parents getting


along with other parents. As the children build close friendships within the group it is important that everyone knows each other. “Although each child is at different stages of


their journey here at Rainford High, it doesn’t feel fragmented, and we are like one big happy family.” Principal of Rainford High, Ian Young, is


immensely proud of the provision. He said: “Three years ago, we identified a real need for a ‘stage not age’ provision for some of our students. As an inclusive school, we are always looking at ways in which we can improve our offering and the staff behind the CC Group have done just that. “Seeing our students progress throughout their


time here gives us real job satisfaction. A huge well done to everyone involved.”.


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