School of the Year, King’s Academy Prospect – Mr Birk and SEN team, sponsor QwertyParents whose children have struggled with special educational needs (SEN) have sung the praises of King’s Academy Prospect in Tilehurst and its teachers for their time, patience and hard work in helping their young ones.
One said: “They are real-life superheroes.”
Associate assistant headteacher and special educational needs co-ordinator (SENco) Mr 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.
“If it wasn’t for him, she would still be seen as a child with a bit of anxiety.”
They said the school was determined to get her through her GCSEs.
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. Mr Birk and Prospect deserve this award.”
They added: “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.”
Another parent with a young son with autism and sensory processing needs said of staff: “They are all kind, caring, supportive and extremely understanding.
“With all the things they have put into place my son has come on so much since starting and they really understand/get him.
“My youngest son is starting in September, who also has additional needs; they have already been on hand with support for him.”
They added: “I know he is also in the best hands with them. The whole school team are amazing but the SEN team have gone above and beyond. They are real-life superheroes.”
School of the Year is sponsored by design, marketing and print agency Qwerty.
