IN BRIEF
EXCLUSIVE FINALE TO
RSPB MILESTONE YEAR WEST KIRBY SCHOOL
WINS ADHD FRIENDLY
SCHOOL AWARD!
As the 40th anniversary year of the popular RSPB
Dee Estuary nature reserve nears its end, an exclusive
evening event marks the finale of the celebrations.
Since the well-known nature conservation charity first
purchased the vast saltmarsh and mudflats at Parkgate
in 1979, the reserve has been tirelessly developed into
one of the largest protected wetlands in the country. The prestigious ADHD friendly status was awarded
to West Kirby School and College, Wirral's specialist
education school, at the ADHD Foundation’s recent
annual conference in Liverpool.
Dan Trotman, Visitor Experience Manager at RSPB Dee Estuary
reserve, said: “We’ve been shouting loud and proud all year about
this being a milestone for the reserve, which has attracted lots of new
local people finding the brilliant wildlife to be enjoyed from Burton
Mere Wetlands’ modern facilities.
“We had some more exciting new additions to our breeding birds
this summer, with reedbed specialists bearded tits nesting for the first
time along with great egrets and an attempt from a pair of spoonbills.
Cattle egrets have become established since 2017 and were chosen
for our limited edition 40th anniversary pin badge only available to
buy at the reserve.
“As a grand finale to the anniversary celebrations, we’ve invited
the reserve’s original warden, Bob Gomes from his home in Kent
to appear alongside his long-serving successor Colin Wells for an
informal illustrated talk about their work here, the wildlife and the
growth of the reserve over four brilliant decades. For anybody with
a passion for the reserve and an interest in its history, this is a night
not to be missed.”
The ‘RSPB Dee Estuary: Celebrating 40 Years’ event will be held on
Wednesday 23 October at Neston Cricket Club in Parkgate; doors
open at 7pm. Tickets cost £12 per person, discounted to £10 for RSPB
members, and half adult prices for children under 18 years. Places are
limited and advanced booking essential via Eventbrite.
Further information can be found on their website, Facebook and
Twitter, or by calling Burton Mere Wetlands on 0151 353 2720.
8 wirrallife.com
The first specialist education needs school on Merseyside and one of
only 5 schools in Wirral to receive the award. Colin Foley, ADHD
Foundation National Training Director who presented the award,
said "West Kirby School achieve outstanding academic outcomes
with highly gifted intelligent children. They also provide highly
individualised and very therapeutic provision for children with very
complex needs."
Liz Wynne, Assistant Head at the school who has led the developments
said "I’m thrilled that staff have recognition for their hard work and
dedication to the pupils at West Kirby School."
The school has been praised for their best practices in supporting
ADHD and neurodiverse pupils with Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia,
across Wirral, Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales. Tony Lloyd,
CEO ADHD Foundations said "This school is outstanding in its work
to enable children who struggle in mainstream education to achieve
their potential."
In addition to receiving the award, ADHD Foundation have provided
whole school ADHD training to continue the school’s efforts in
understanding and supporting their pupils. Staff at West Kirby
School are committed to pupils, they go above and beyond to make
children and young people feel accepted, safe and achieve progress
from their starting point. It was acknowledged structures, support
and the environment are adapted to ensure pupils access learning
effectively. As well as the staff training, the school installed their own
brilliant Umbrella project earlier this year and engaged in National
Neurodiversity Week, with pupils celebrating their talents and unique
skills.
Sian Thomas, Principal said "We’re really pleased to receive this award
from the ADHD Foundation. The charity is a great partner and we
value their support immensely."