Wirral Life November 2019 | Page 8

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."