In partnership with
DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL
CHILDREN and families across the country felt the impact of lockdowns and the challenges of home-schooling during the Covid pandemic – but none more so than those with additional needs.
Vicky Bourne, deputy headteacher at Walworth Primary School, in Newton Aycliffe, worked hard to support pupils, staff, parents and carers throughout the darkest days of the pandemic and ease them back into ‘normal life’.
The school caters for children who have social, emotional and mental health difficulties, including associated challenging behaviours.
Many of the pupils have additional special educational needs such as autistic spectrum disorder, attention deficit and hyperactive disorders and speech, language and communication difficulties.
Vicky, our Key Worker of the Year, said: “It was really hard for our children to have a change to their school routine, a lot of autistic children couldn’t see why they needed to do work at home and we had to adapt our learning to suit our pupils.
“We did a mixture of things including packs for children with arts and crafts to make learning fun.
“It was so amazing when we were able to welcome all children back, to have our school family back together, because that’s how we are at Walworth Primary – a big family.
“It was great to see their smiling faces and see them learning and achieving.
“A lot of our children have anxiety and saw school as a scary place, hearing about Covid in the media. Some parents were also anxious.
“My role is to support people in our school community and reassure them.”
Vicky was chosen as the winner of this award, said the judges: “For commitment to the safety, needs and support of staff, children and families through really challenging times and for showing excellent leadership and dedication in her role.”
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