WINNER: King’s Academy Prospect Sponsored by Qwerty
This school has been described as ‘real life superheroes’ by their nominator who praised the school in Tilehurst for their work.
Associate assistant headteacher and special educational needs co-ordinator (SENco) James Birk was singled out for his work, in nominations for the School of the Year award.
One parent said: “My daughter moved to Prospect halfway through Year 8 after struggling for years at school. None of the previous schools would listen to my concerns.
“One phone call with Mr Birk after she joined the school and he knew exactly what my daughter’s difficulties were. She had autism.
“Mr Birk and his colleagues across the school have taken the time and patience to understand my daughter and help me through so many things to get my daughter support.
Of Mr Birk, they said: “He is an asset to Prospect and schools need more knowledgeable SENco teachers like this as so many children are being missed/undiagnosed or brushed under the carpet.
“The school has really turned around under the leadership of headteacher Mr Littlemore and I say it with pride when other parents ask me about Prospect.”
Upon receiving the award, headteacher David Littlemore said: “I’m quite emotional. I work really closely with all the Reading heads, we’re in competition but in a healthy way because we’re trying to make education in Reading better for everyone so if we can learn off each other that’s a massive positive.
James Birk added: “It’s nice to be appreciated for the work we do and feel like we make a difference.”
