Local specialist school, High Peak School, which provides day and residential placements for young people who have social, emotional and mental health difficulties and those on the autism spectrum, continues to go from strength to strength, as David Rutley MP, saw for himself on a recent visit.
On his visit, David was shown around the school by Principal, Anne Price, and members of the High Peak School student council, and viewed the impressive range of facilities available for pupils, including specially designed classrooms for science, food technology, art, design and technology and other subjects. The school also has on-site recreational facilities including a swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, a gym and fishing.
Ms Price explained how the school's ethos is fully geared towards developing the young people's skills and strategies that enable them to participate as independent, valued citizens, enjoying equal rights, opportunities and a good quality of life. Subjects are taught in small class sizes, to help achieve these important aims.
David also had the opportunity to meet with staff members from the school’s Care and Education teams, to discuss the provision of special educational needs support in Cheshire East and the school’s trauma-informed approach to learning and support.
The School has been in operation for five years, and provides both day and residential care for up to 35 students aged between seven and eighteen who have special educational needs. The School is part of the Kedleston Group, which operates a number of independent schools for pupils with social, emotional and mental health challenges across the country.
Ms Price said, “Since we opened, we have recruited many local people and provided education for dozens of young people with enhanced and complex learning needs, many of whom live in Cheshire and surrounding areas. We are committed to being an active and positive part of the local community and welcoming David as the local MP is a great honour for us. Our students were delighted to welcome David back to the school and to show him how it has evolved and changed since first opening.”
Speaking after his visit, David said, "It was good to visit High Peak School once again and to see the continued positive progress it is making. It is clear that staff at the school are committed to helping every pupil to succeed and fulfil their potential, no matter what challenges they face. The school offers an important facility for the local community and it has been wonderful to hear how so many of the school’s students have made real progress and achieved great outcomes."