Features

A Unique Child: Inclusion - with pride

A school for children with special needs that is rated outstanding keeps their families closely involved. Annette Rawstrone went to visit.

We believe that our children only have one crack at their education,' declares Cate Tindall, early years co-ordinator at Newfield School in Blackburn, Lancashire, which provides education for children with Complex Learning Difficulties aged two to 19. It is this positive attitude that instils confidence in the parents that their children can and will achieve to the best of their abilities in relation to their individual special educational needs.

'Many parents have no preparation for having a child with disabilities. It should be one of the happiest times, but all their hope crumbles. Everything about their child can become very medical and clinical,' says Ms Tindall. 'We can help parents come to terms with their child's particular individual needs, reassure them and make them feel that they are doing such an important job. As the parents they are the child's first teacher.

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