A WIRRAL school for children with special educational needs has received gold standard recognition for its commitment to spiritual, moral, social and communication (SMSC) practice.

Orrets Meadow was awarded Gold level of the National SMSC Quality Mark following an inspection by the Quality Assurance Panel.

As part of the verification, pupils, staff and governors are questioned about the school's Spiritual, Moral, Social, Communication (SMSC) practice within the school.

The report stated: "The pupils have great insight and clearly show a wonderful understanding of the importance of SMSC.

"There is depth to the current affairs the children are exposed to and commitment to immersing the children in discussing the bigger questions in life, such as 'what does disabled mean? and 'what is racism?'

"‘At the heart of Orrets Meadow's ethos is ensuring that all of the children feel valued and that their voice is heard and respected."

The report commented on how the staff are, "so committed to each pupil’s need." 

It added, about the parents interviewed, "Their love and pride in the school leapt through the screen!

"When asked to describe the school, the words used were, ‘life changing, outstanding and passionate.'

"They reflected on the journey that their children have come on and how the move to Orrets Meadow has had immeasurable positive change on both families’’ lives.

One parent reflected on the work done on the British values and how the children are taught to value themselves and their whole personality.

They commented on how, ‘SMSC underpins everything.’

The report continued with, "SMSC lead, Mrs (Lorna) Billington, has been able to implement some innovative and exciting ideas and her thoughtfulness and genuine desire to give children a creative and imaginative experience of SMSC within the framework of strong leadership is clear."

Cindy Cooper, the SMSC governor for the school said: "At the heart of Orrets Meadow's ethos is ensuring that all of the children feel valued and that their voice is heard and respected."

She also commented on how the staff are "so committed to each pupil’s need." 

Headteacher Carolyn Duncan said, "We are extremely proud of our achievement and to hear that our school is 'paving the way with ideas and areas for development for both SEN and mainstream settings'.

"We have been asked to become a Beacon school and this is something we look forward to doing in September.

"Orrets Meadow is a fantastic school to work at and that is due to the commitment of all the pupils, staff, parents and governors."