King Edward VII wins £56,000

Published by Jane Clee for Leicestershire County Council in Communities and also in Central Government, Education

King Edward VII School in Melton Mowbray has won an award of £56,000 to improve the teaching of pupils with special educational needs.

The school was up against national competition in its bid to win the funding, which is awarded by the Teacher Development Agency - a government organisation which supports the training of staff at schools across the country.

The money will be used to boost the teaching skills of staff at both King Edward VII School and Birch Wood Special School in Melton Mowbray.

King Edward VII and Birch Wood are two of the partner schools in the pioneering £45 million reorganisation of education in Melton Mowbray and the Vale of Belvoir.

This aims to raise standards of attainment and achievement by pupils, whilst maintaining current school excellence.

Working together, the two schools are developing plans for a new Partnership Centre.

The centre, subject to funding, would provide a supportive, nurturing environment for a small group of children.

Pupils would follow personalised learning programmes at the centre and have the opportunity to attend mainstream classes at King Edward VII and lessons at the special school.

Principal at King Edward VII School, Chris Williams, said: “We’re really delighted that our bid for funding has been successful.

“The award will help us to develop staff and build on the excellent links we already have with Birch Wood.

“A new Partnership Centre has the potential to offer pupils the best of both worlds.

“It would support youngsters whose needs fall between those offered by a special school and those available at a mainstream school.”

Headteacher at Birch Wood Special School, Kate Waplington, added: “This provision would “bridge the gap” between the special and mainstream school and would provide the high quality support needed for these often vulnerable students.”