Page 15 - link magazine

EDUCATION MATTERS 15
Every child is special
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With the launch of raffle by a local insurance broker Mansfield Begbie Ø
Associates to raise £1,500 to buy more equipment for children with Help raise £1,500 for specialized equipment
special' needs and disabilities at Westlea School, headteacher Neil
for children with Special Needs from
Griffiths and Chris Morey, teacher responsible for Special Needs, all over West Swindon who attend Westlea School
describe how every effort is made to treat children with learning
difficulties as no different from any others.
Early Learning Centre vouchers worth £250 to be won.
At Westlea School we have what individuals, all very different and First prize £1 50. Special prize
to the community group that sells most tickets.
is called a 'Unit' which all with their own needs. Indeed,
accommodates children with research shows that one in five
learning difficulties. children may have a special need If you can help sell some raffle tickets contact
Neil Griffiths at Westlea School, Langstone Way.
The name 'Unit' somehow at some time in their education.
Tel: 870469
suggests that the children are This may be caused by a whole
Mike Rees of Mansfield Begbie Associates on 873369
different and need to be separated variety of disruptions in their or Roger Ogle, The Link Magazine on 872282.
from the main body of the school lives, perhaps bereavement,
and taught in isolation. emotional disturbances, moving .pm1d*UI i Idcd 4&*fICd WWA
This could not be further from house, loss of a friend, etc. £
. 9 /o iqce.
the truth and indeed the word Therefore, our philosophy at
unit is never mentioned. We Westlea is based first and
prefer to acknowledge that we foremost upon the belief that all
have thirteen children who find children are equally important,
some areas of learning difficult to and everyone is talented at
handle and need particular something.
support to help them overcome We aim to bring out the best in
their problems. everyone, build on strengths,
In order to meet these needs, constantly encourage and
the Local Education Authority provide a well balanced, well
provide additional funding and thought out and adapted
resources so that an extra teacher curriculum through which each
and moreindividual attention can child can develop to the full.
be given to these children.

Everybody joins in with PE. Leo Simpkins throws the ball to Bobby Nottage
whilst Clare Amor and Stephanie Lake play short tennis in the background
do we simply 'dump' them there learning difficulties are provided
and leave them, as we do with a good role model and gain
recognise that their needs must in confidence. They feel they are
be met. The whole structure of being fairly treated and equally
their integration is very carefully appreciated.
and thoughtfully run, planned Similarly, their fellow peers
and supported. also learn tolerance, patience and
The teacher responsible for understanding in accepting that
special needs and Welfare children learn at different rates
Assistants work closely with each and not everyone is good at
class teacher, offering support everything. Indeed only recently
Welfare Assistant Mrs Moira Callas works with all children within the most useful for the particular I myself realised that the
ordinary classroom. Here she conducts a spelling test, with from the left, child concerned. Sometimes the mechanic who repaired my car
Daniel Lewis, Lewis Garrett, Leo Simpkins and Gary Smith
child may need quiet help on a was far more talented than I was,
We also accommodate two With such beliefs, it would be one-to-one basis and for this despite my '0' levels and 'A'
children who are heavily impossible for any child to be purpose they may work outside levels and a degree. The only
dependent upon wheelchairs, one 'hived off' and isolated. the classroom. But withdrawal is particular talent I had was the
with 'brittle bones' the other with From the very outset six years reduced to a minimum and a child ability to cram facts into my head
spina bifida. ago when Westlea opened, it was is never excluded from any for a short time and regurgitate
Support is given to these decided that all children would activity as this can have a very them at the appropriate moment.
children through a marvellous be fully integrated with each damaging effect upon a child's It is hoped that the children at
Special Needs teacher, Chris other. Therefore our thirteen self-esteem. Westlea will learn this lesson far
Morey and five wonderful children who have particular At Westlea it is our aim to build quicker than I did!
Welfare Assistants, Pam learning difficulties and our strong, healthy self-images which Undoubtedly the integration of
Woollard, Jan Trevascus, Pauline children in wheelchairs work make every child feel valued and pupils with learning and physical
Botwright, Marilyn Harrison, and alongside their friends in a main valuable and then in turn enable difficulties has been greatly
Moira Calas. stream classroom. them to reach their full potential. beneficial to all concerned. We
The term Special Needs is They are not 'different' in any The staff work sensitively and have all become more caring and
commonly used when describing way, children are children and caringly with strong emphasis sensitive to each others problems
such children but we feel that they have access to the full range placed on social skills. and needs and we aim to ensure
every child in the world is of educational opportunities open By working alongside their that any disability any of us has,
"Special". They are all to their peers. However, neither peers children with particular does not become a handicap.