Graham Stuart, Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness, visited Withernsea Primary School to support them as they expand their existing Special Educational Needs and Development (SEND) provision.
The school’s work in this area is already very good. During its recent OFSTED inspection, the Withernsea Primary was praised for the tailored individual support they provide to their pupils with Special Educational Needs and the work the teachers do to break down learning into small steps to ensure that all of the children at the school have the opportunity to be successful.
Across the country demand for additional SEND provision is increasing, and Withernsea is no exception. This is why Graham and representatives from East Riding Council agreed to visit the school to discuss ways for them to deliver their high-quality support to more pupils.
Graham was accompanied on his visit by the South East Holderness Councillors Lyn Healing and Sean McMaster, ERYC’s Portfolio Holder for Children Families and Education Cllr Victoria Aitken, and ERYC’s Head of School Effectiveness Emma Hobbs.
During the visit, Graham and the Councillors were given a tour of their specialist support hub which allows children with SEND to work in smaller groups, sometimes with 1-1 support, to help boost their learning. Councillor Victoria Aitken and Emma Hobbs explained the support that is available from East Riding Council, including the Enhanced Resource Provision, and how they can access them so that the school can work closer with them to support their pupils.
Later in their visit Graham chatted to pupils during their English lesson as they worked together to improve their story writing. He was very impressed with one class who told him about their plan for a story which is set in a “mystical enchanted forest”. He also met the kitchen staff who told him it was Fish and Chip Friday, but that he was too early to sample their delicious lunches!
James Hartmann, Headteacher of Withernsea Primary School, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Graham and local councillors to Withernsea Primary School, where we discussed the many ways in which we support our pupils and in particular those with special educational needs. It was great to showcase our inclusive offer and the hard work of all stakeholders that goes into ensuring Withernsea Primary School provides a high quality SEND provision for our pupils.”
South East Holderness Councillors Lyn Healing and Sean McMaster said: “It was great to have paid a visit to Withernsea Primary School. The teachers and staff work exceptionally hard to ensure their students have the best early years education possible.”
Following his visit, Graham commented: “Every child should have the best start in life to give them the opportunity to succeed. That’s why I was pleased to see pupils at Withernsea Primary School thriving with great teachers and one-to-one support when they need it. As demand for SEND support increases, I will continue to work with the Councillors and the school to help them expand their provision so every child has the tools they need to learn.”
