Recently I met with Chris White, the head teacher of Stanton
Vale School, to have a look around and meet some of the young people
who go there.
The headteacher, who joined the school back in 2012, had
this to say:
"‘As a special school, Stanton Vale is probably not as
well-known as some of the other local schools because many of our pupils don't
come from the immediate area. So it's important that we try to get our name out
there at every opportunity and let the local community know that there are lots
of ways they can get involved with us. "
Stanton Vale is an all age mixed special school that caters
for children from 2 years old to young adults at the age of 19. Like other
schools it is grounded on the national curriculum but because it teaches
children with special needs it also
offers an alternative approach to help prepare them for independent living; developing life skills, communication skills
and motor skills.
This development includes community skills, teaching pupils
to cook and addressing issues to do with health and leisure, all to help them
become more independent upon leaving. These lessons are taught alongside more
curriculum based subjects such as literacy, art and maths.
Over the past decade the school has been totally
transformed, its biggest change coming with the school's relocation. Originally
the school was based in Ilkeston but in 2002 it moved to a site that neighbours
the Long Eaton School, with the Ilkeston building being demolished. The site
used to home Westbrook Residential School but since 2002 the two have merged
under the name Stanton Vale, including previous staff and pupils from the old
Ilkeston site. The new site includes improved facilities such as a swimming
pool, a sensory room, play areas and more space for the school to work with.
Though it has less than 100 pupils, the school has an active
part in the local community with several links to outside groups. Due to its
locality, the school has links with The Long Eaton School, collaborates with
Canaan Trust and has an active part in many local activities, including gala's,
fairs and even the local carnival.
Most recently the school collaborated with the Loughborough
male voice choir and performed at the Duchess Theatre at Christmas. The event
helped raise funds for the school and the pupils positive reaction has led to
further events.
Locally, in relation to special schools, many are aware of Brakenfield
but less know of or see Stanton Vale in the same light since its relocation,
even though it is currently the South Derbyshire centre of excellence for MOVE
(Mobility Opportunities via Education).
If you would like to support the school, look out for their
stall at the local carnival on the 15th June or if you know of someone who
would benefit from the specialised teaching, please get in touch on 0115
9729769.
