Bexhill schools benefit from $2.7million Achievement for All project

SCHOOLS in Bexhill are set to benefit from a share of a £2.7 million government scheme set to help improve outcomes for children with special educational needs.

East Sussex County Council is one of ten authorities awarded cash from the government's 'Achievement for All' initiative

Fifty two schools in the county will benefit from the initiative which funds innovative or different projects in schools.

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The idea is to increase the rate of progress of young people with special educational needs and supports the development of good practice.

Nearly every school in the county expressed an interest in the project and came up with ideas how the money should be spent.

The county council then had to choose 52 schools. Selected schools in Bexhill are: St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary, Bexhill High, St Peter and St Paul Church of England Primary, Little Common Primary, All Saints Church of England Primary, and Sidley Community Primary '“ the consortium is funding the rest of schools in the area so all will benefit.

The projects or resources introduced had to improve, not only the education of those with SEN, but progress throughout the school and have a lasting effect on education and outcomes.

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The money is being spent in a range of different ways. Some schools updated IT equipment making it accessible to all students, assisting children who need extra help, and making it easier for other students to develop IT skills.

Other ideas include making time for teachers to spend time sharing ideas or combining classes in order to see how a colleague works with children with SEN, inviting parents to a 'stay and play' session to understand more about their child's school life and activities they take part in.

The scheme focuses on teaching young people with SEN alongside their peers. It works closely with parents to ensure teachers, children and parents all share the same goals and objectives and includes regular meetings.

To make sure the projects are working schools have to report statistics on progress made for individual children which in turn are fed back into the national picture.

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As part of the scheme there are several leading teachers who have displayed best practice in their own schools and are available to pass on knowledge and offer advice or support.

Councillor David Elkin, East Sussex County Council's Lead Member for Learning and School Effectiveness, said:

"This project is just one of the ways we are leading the way with Special Educational Needs in East Sussex. We believe every child deserves to have the same expectations of making progress and achieving an education. That is why we want to make sure every child is receiving the teaching and support they need to give them the best possible chance in life; whatever their needs may be."

This year the project is aimed at children in years one, five, seven and ten. Next year, years two, six, eight and eleven will be added.

For more information on Special Educational Needs teaching in East Sussex visit the website at:

www.eastsussex.gov.uk/childrenandfamilies/specialneeds