Children and Families Minister visits Redwood School

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Councillor Irene Davidson, Paul Rowen, Councillro Dale Mulgrew, Marion Sherrif, Redwood School Board of Governors, Sarah Teather MP and Headteacher Stuart Pidgeon

The Minister of State for Children and Families, Sarah Teather MP, visited Redwood School today (Monday 14 March 2011).

The aim of the Liberal Democrat MP’s visit was to find out more about the way the school runs, following the publication of her proposals to improve services for disabled children and those with special educational needs.

The Education Green Paper was published last week and contains some of the biggest reforms to special education needs in the last 30 years.

Ms Teather enjoyed a whistle-stop tour of the school, where she was particularly impressed with the work the school is doing in terms of enterprise and transition.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Rochdale, Councillor Irene Davidson, the Deputy Leader, Councillor Dale Mulgrew and Rochdale’s former MP, Paul Rowen, joined Ms Teather on the visit.

Ms Teather said it was “fantastic” to visit such a good school. She described the work at Redwood as “inspiring.”

Ms Teather said: “The school is doing some really interesting work.

“The green paper was launched last week and is out for consultation, it is a ‘work in progress.’

“We want to harness the experience that special schools have and build on places that are doing really good.

“I am particularly interested in the enterprise and transition work being done here.”

Ms Teather explained that the biggest worry for parents, the thing that gives them sleepless nights, is what will happen to their child when they become an adult.

She added: “It is really useful to learn about the transition support.

“It is helpful to see what can be achieved.”

The school’s head teacher, Stuart Pidgeon, said: “When we found out two or three weeks ago that the Minister was coming we were delighted.

“The timing couldn’t be any better following the launch of the Green Paper.

“For the Minister to take away what Redwood does puts us on a national stage.”

Mr Pidgeon said the visit “showcased” both Rochdale and the school.

He concluded: “Today has gone very well. There is a lot to take in, in a short time. I was particularly pleased that the Minister said some one from the department will be in touch to find out more.

“That emphasises the good work.”

Ms Teather was presented with a pair of earrings made by the pupils, a selection of hand-made cards and a Redwood School mug.