We were delighted to recently welcome Councillor Janet Ingman, Mayor of West Lancashire, to The Acorns School to showcase the incredible work taking place across our school community.
Mayor Ingman, who was appointed as the new Mayor of West Lancashire in June, visited us to discover why The Acorns School is such a wonderful place for our pupils to learn and grow.
Upon arrival, Mayor Ingman was met by Miss Cutts, Acting Headteacher, Mrs Thomson, Acting Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Harrison, Chair of Governors, Dr Bennett, Vice Chair of Governors, and Ms Williams, School Business Manager, who spoke in detail with the Mayor about the life-changing experience the school provides to pupils.
Together, they discussed the ambitious curriculum offered here at The Acorns School, which includes English, maths, biology, literacy and reading, humanities, PE, cookery, drama, and personal development and PHSE, alongside functional skills (where appropriate), a range of BTEC courses and other vocational qualifications.
Staff also shared with Mayor Ingman details of an exciting new outreach model pilot, launching in September, which we have developed to further support the Department for Education’s inclusion agenda. Focusing on pupils with emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA) and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, two of our highly skilled staff will work with local mainstream schools to help pupils remain in mainstream school and reduce the risk of permanent exclusion.
After the meet and greet, Mayor Ingman was taken on a short tour of the school, before sitting down with staff and a selection of pupils who posed thoughtful questions to the Mayor over some refreshments.
Reflecting on her visit to The Acorns School, Mayor Ingman said: “I really enjoyed meeting a community of people dedicated to helping young people meet educational targets that they haven’t yet been able to. It was inspiring to hear of the very real issues that teenagers are struggling with and how, with the correct, specialised assistance learning, they too can achieve.
“The school is offering children a chance that they may not otherwise have had and enabling hope and success. Resources are vital for this kind of work, and I saw not just the expected curriculum tools but the use of drama, art, practical learning such as cooking, and beautiful green spaces and sports facilities. I am very pleased to hear how important work is being carried out for children that may be a little more vulnerable and require extra support.”
Mayor Ingman added: “Thank you for giving me this opportunity to find out more about The Acorns School. It means a lot to know that our younger generation are being supported and helped to find the skills they need to progress.”
We would like to thank Mayor Ingman for taking the time to visit and learn more about our work as a school. We were delighted to welcome her to The Acorns School and share the achievements of our pupils and staff, as well as our exciting plans for the future.
