COMMENTS FROM PUPILS, PARENTS AND SCHOOLS
The feedback of ex-pupils, their parents and schools gives a real insight to how they feel about us, while the comments from educational professionals are a testament to our wonderful staff.
“I just wanted to let you know that I am so, so grateful for all your hard work and encouragement, which led to me getting a cracking set of results during one of the hardest times of my life. Thank you all so much!”
Beacon student
“I was in the middle of my GCSE year and I had no idea when/where my exams were taking place. The team kept me fully up to date and had the decency to tell me everything that was happening regarding current and further education. I have achieved great results in my GCSEs thanks to the teaching staff at Ward 3, but I also learnt how to ‘take a break’ without feeling that I must work 24/7.”
Beacon student
“I was concerned about if – or when – I would return to college, and how I would contact college to sort this out. I was worried about keeping up with coursework and wasn’t sure if deferring the year was an option. But now I am at ease. I was always informed of calls/emails being made, and was told about whatever was discussed. Updates were also given in ward rounds, and always included a lovely, positive summary of my week. Although there was no academic work I could do as my course was deferred, the staff always kept me busy and distracted with nice activities. I was kept busy and distracted up until the moment I was discharged. All the staff were lovely and supportive and helped me through difficult times. Thank you ever so much for all the things you’ve done for me over the past few difficult months, I really appreciated it… you noticed all the small things that other people didn’t, and I felt able to talk to you, because you were lovely, patient and understood me. I enjoyed being in class. … You’ve helped me see that my future is bright and things will get better – and you’ve given me plenty of ideas to keep me busy and distracted.”
Beacon student
“(Education) was a big cause of stress. (In the Beacon) everyone knew what was going on. I did progress, and my stress did decrease. Everything was done fast. I was very supported, especially with going back to school. It is better than mainstream school.”
Beacon student
“THANK YOU! The classroom has been a safe, relaxed and comfortable environment where you guys always found something for me to get stuck into. I will miss the good times we had.”
Beacon student
“Thank you for all the support and help you have given me while on the ward. It has really made me begin to enjoy education again, and really set me up for the future. I appreciate everything you have done for me.”
Beacon student
“I am writing to support the continuation of drumming/music therapy lessons provided during my time at Willow Bank. My own health has meant attendance at school was sometimes really hard: however, even at my lowest point I could always make it into school for drumming… Regular attendance, if only for drumming, allowed me to build a relationship based on trust and consistency, which over time created an environment where I felt comfortable discussing my concerns and raising issues. The actual content of the lessons has provided a number of benefits, including: a new hobby/interest, better concentration and memory, a means to control anger and frustration, and skills improvement. This has led to improved self-esteem and socialisation.”
“I really believe my drumming lessons enabled me to get back into school and back to learning without confrontation and feeling academic pressure. I recognise this was a huge commitment on the school’s behalf: however, I feel certain that without these lessons I would not have been in a position to sit my GCSEs this summer.”
Willow Bank student
“I could not have dreamed how happy and successful my son would be at the school. The staff are amazing angels in disguise, every one of them.”
Parent comment – Ofsted inspection, June 2017
“Thanks so much for dealing with me and my ear-bursting voice the past year and a half. All the staff are fantastic! I will miss you all so much. I will treasure my memories here for the rest of my life.”
Willow Bank student
“The staff clearly have exceptional empathy for the children they teach and care for. The pastoral support is outstanding.”
Parent comment – Ofsted 2017
“The real issue with [my daughter] is stopping her feeling pressured to achieve! … she has always loved education – it has been one of the drivers to get back to real life… her time in school was relaxing and enjoyable.”
Beacon parent
“She always seemed to enjoy working in the class and keeping busy, and felt comfortable with staff in school. We were kept informed. … I feel that the education team are a real asset to the ward – they’re honest and caring and very hard-working, putting [her] needs as a priority and offering her appropriate activities tailored to her specific needs. At times when things were so negative for [our daughter], you always made kind, supportive comments about her, … finding the best in an individual. Many thanks to you.”
Beacon parent
“Thank you for all your help and support. You made a big difference to [my son’s] life during the time he was with you.”
Beacon parent
“Very impressed with the help and support provided. Encouragement was excellent; a friendly place.”
Beacon parent
“[On admission, my daughter’s] mental health was the main priority, but education was very close behind. I was always kept up to date. … I thought I would have to liaise with the school, so was relieved to have this pressure taken off. I felt very supported all the way through.”
Beacon parent
“I have been more than satisfied with the service that has been provided, and all the teachers who come through the door are helpful and professional.”
Home tuition parent
“As I attended J.’s parents’ evening yesterday, I left the school with satisfaction that J’s progress has improved immensely, and the comments made by the teachers gave her a boost of confidence. Even though I am proud of J., this just made me prouder.”
Willow Bank parent
“S. has seen a big improvement in A.’s confidence and self-esteem. She enjoys coming to school and she has coped well with full days. She socialises more within school and has a good group of friends.”
Willow Bank parent
“N.’s confidence has improved since attending school; she still finds it hard in the mornings as she is still very anxious, but at the end of the day she comes home smiling.”
Willow Bank parent
“G. seems a lot happier. She is glad that she is back in school and gaining an education again; she spends more time with the family, rather than being stuck in her room. Her confidence has grown – to the extent that when she goes shopping with the family she will go off on her own to browse.”
Willow Bank parent
“T. has improved a lot since attending WBS. She is very comfortable there and has a few friends. She still has her fragile days, but is doing really well otherwise and is very happy at home.”
Willow Bank parent
“C.’s emotional well-being has improved greatly. Eighteen months ago she was overcome with anxiety and suicidal thoughts, which she no longer has. Her anxiety has settled quite a bit, and she attends school now.”
Willow Bank parent
“Mum has seen a massive improvement in D. since starting here at Willow Bank School. She is also getting ready for school on her own, which she didn’t do before.”
Home visitor from Children’s Hospital School Leicester
“Once J. settled with people here, Mum saw a big improvement. She says that J. feels better about herself when she is coping and accomplishing things. She’s less stressed as well. K. is able to get into the taxi on her own to come into school now, and has worked up to doing full days. This has made a big difference to her. She is also attending regularly.”
Home visitor from Children’s Hospital School Leicester
“L. has settled in very well at Willow Bank School. Mum said that she is a lot happier and calmer since being here. Before she was here her moods were very up and down and she was very anxious.”
Home visitor from Children’s Hospital School Leicester
“M. has been on home tuition for some time. Mum feels that this is going really well and M. gets on with all members of staff who teach her. Mum has noticed that she is more relaxed. Mum is aware that home tuition is temporary, and she is keen for M. to attend Willow Bank.”
Home visitor from Children’s Hospital School Leicester
“T. recently started a paper round on a Saturday morning with an old friend from school. She also took the bus to Nuneaton the other day, which was the first time. T. is eager to learn and loves school. She feels very safe at Willow Bank School and feels like she is a part of a family here… Her sleep has improved from last year and she worries less about school.”
Willow Bank parent
“The beginning of this school year has gone well for A., with improved attendance and engagement. This has resulted in us being less stressed.”
Home visitor from Children’s Hospital School Leicester
“Thank you for the support, help and care you have given my daughter over the last year. She wouldn’t be where she is today without you. I know she will miss you all.”
Willow Bank parent
“We cannot put into words what the school has done for our daughter in allowing her the opportunity to complete her GCSE education. You have all been brilliant, but extra thanks for making learning enjoyable for her, and believing in her abilities.”
Willow Bank parent
“We cannot thank you enough for all the care and support over the past couple of years. The difference you have made is life-changing.”
Willow Bank parent
“Thank you for teaching my child and taking their mind off things. It’s great!”
LRI parent
“Thank you for your flexibility in teaching my daughter while she was here. I think the provision is fantastic.”
LRI parent
FEEDBACK FROM SCHOOLS AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONALS
“Unbelievable amount [of progress]. J. is a different student to the one I saw in September on joining [our school]. He laughs, jokes, and tackles social problems now. I was in touch with school staff throughout and felt welcomed at the discharge meeting. Superb – thorough support throughout, and staff showed a real care for J. and his issues. Both [the SENCo] and I found the whole experience positive and a huge learning opportunity. We felt J. was in the safest of hands, and you were a pleasure to work with. Thank goodness for you – never stop the good work with our young people.”
Teacher – Leicestershire School
“The contact was regular, informative and a meaningful dialogue was set up between the school and you. … Extremely communicative and proactive in trying to work with us to help E.”
Teacher – Leicester School
“It is clear that all the staff are passionate and committed to the emotional well-being and pastoral care they provide for all their students. An excellent, holistic service.”
Teacher – Leicester School
“Thank you for all the work the school has done to support A. I am amazed by the changes and improvements in her.”
Independent Reviewing Officer for Looked After Children
“I just wanted to bring your attention the commitment your staff member has made in a recent case. She has gone above and beyond in her pursuit to engage this little boy and jumped many hurdles, when most would have given up. She attended a recent multi-agency meeting and was an asset. We were grateful to have her knowledge and skills.”
Family support facilitator, Leicester City
“The day was a very insightful experience all round. Highlights of the day were seeing the positivity of the teachers on the school life of the children, and meeting the inspirational staff.”
Primary PGCE students, Leicester University