A pioneering education project will see Stockport children benefit from teaching tailored to their individual needs.
A total of 23 secondary, primary and special schools were selected to adopt a new approach where each child receives a one-page profile containing their personal details and targets.
This follows the successful ‘whole-school’ implementation at Norris Bank Primary School, contributing to their 2010 ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted grade, where head-teacher Howard Bousfield now hopes to bring in staff profiles.
“One-page profiles have made an enormous difference to pupils at our school,” he said.
“They have worked so well that we are now introducing them for staff and I have my own profile posted on our staff room wall.
“Expressing who I am and sharing this with colleagues has quickly helped me build better relationships with my team.”
Seen as an essential part of personalised education, these profiles include each child’s description, what people value and appreciate about them, what is important to them and how to support them.
The page will be constantly updated each year, throughout each child’s school life, with information changing to add more emphasis on goals, motivation and eventually career ambitions.
Sherann Hills, co-chair of Parents in Partnership (PIPS), is delighted the borough has implemented the project which will raise future aspirations for Stockport children.
“PIPS are really excited to see one-page profiles being piloted across schools,” she said.
“It’s fantastic to see Stockport at the forefront of the support, raising standards for all, including young people with disabilities and additional needs throughout the borough.”
Stockport Council is the country’s first local authority to commit to the approach, which Councillor Shan Alexander, executive member for Life-long Learning and Achievement, believes shows their dedication to providing top-quality education.
“In a truly inclusive school environment, the unique needs and aspirations of each child, those in mainstream education and those with special needs, should be taken into account,” she said.
“A nurturing school environment, where self-esteem and self-motivation are encouraged, will lead to higher educational standards in Stockport schools.”
Picture courtesy of BES Photos, via Flickr, with thanks.
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