Shawclough Primary School celebrate the opening of new Rainbow Provision

Date published: 26 February 2020

Shawclough Community Primary School celebrated the official opening of their autism resource-based Rainbow Provision on Friday 21 February.

Visitors enjoyed a performance of songs and a presentation from one of the students; Haley Collins-Kusznir who spoke in front of over 400 people explaining what the Rainbow Provision is all about and her own experience of being a part of it.

The Mayor of Rochdale, councillor Billy Sheerin, was also in attendance, officially cutting the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the new provision.

Michael Kemp, Head of Special Educational Needs for Rochdale, praised the students and staff at Shawclough, describing the school as very special and inclusive. Headteacher Julia Sandiford-Mitchell also paid tribute to Julie Dalton, Specialist Autism Teacher who had a significant role in the development of the provision and has recently retired.

Mayor Sheerin said: "This proved to be a very special event for myself. I was allowed to cut the ribbon to officially open the additional rooms, which are an annex to the main school building and have their own separate playground and special features. For example, there is a sensory room which is a calming feature, a quiet room and small classrooms for individual teaching.

"During my conversation with Charlotte [manager of the Rainbow provision], I discovered that if a child excelled in maths, for instance, they would join the mainstream of the school with other children. If another child excelled in PE, they would also join the mainstream class to enjoy what they were good at. This, I thought, was very innovative and sensible.

"I came away from this school with a very good feeling that we are moving in the right direction regarding special educational needs."

Charlotte Keegan, manager of the Rainbow provision praised all those involved, saying: “I am so proud of all our children. We have had a great morning celebrating the opening of the provision.

“A massive thank you to all the parents, staff, local authority, governors and builders who have helped make it possible and such a success. The Rainbow Provision is an autism resource-based provision based within Shawclough Community Primary School. It provides a nurturing environment with access to a mainstream curriculum.

“We provide enhanced facilities and a highly experienced team of staff who tailor the curriculum to meet the individual needs of all children.”