PUPILS TO BENEFIT FROM PERSONALISING EDUCATION

Children across the borough are set to benefit from a pioneering new education project run by Stockport Council.  

The Council is working towards all pupils having a one-page profile and is the first local authority in the country to commit to this approach.   

23 schools in Stockport, including primary, secondary and special schools, have currently been selected for the project. The first phase of the project will involve teachers, pupils and parents at the schools working together to create a one-page profile for every child.

One-page profiles were originally used for pupils with statements of special educational needs but are now being introduced into mainstream education. This follows successful ‘whole school’ implementation at Norris Bank Primary in Stockport.  In 2010 they were acknowledged by Ofsted as a contributory factor to the school receiving its ‘outstanding’ inspection grade. One-page profiles are the foundation of a personalised approach to education. They help teachers focus on knowing every child well and provide the support each child needs to flourish as an individual.

Howard Bousfield, Headteacher at Norris Bank Primary, said:
“One-page profiles have made an enormous difference to pupils at our school. They have worked so well that we are now introducing them for staff and I have my own profile posted on our staff room wall. Expressing who I am and sharing this with colleagues has quickly helped me build better relationships with my team.”

A one-page profile is page long description of a child, which includes what people appreciate and value about them, what is important to them and how to support them. It brings together, in one place, the child’s view, the teacher’s perspective and a contribution from parents.  The one-page profile is constantly updated throughout the year and through each child’s school life. As the child matures, more emphasis is placed upon personal goals, self-motivation and, eventually, career aspirations.

Sherann Hillman Co Chair of Parents In Partnership (PIPS) “PIPS are really excited to see one-page profiles being piloted across schools in Stockport:

“Our Vision for children and young people in the PIPS 0-25 plan for Stockport’s children with additional needs or disability is to raise aspirations for the future, for parents and young people to be fully included and listened to. It’s fantastic to see Stockport at the forefront of the support, raising standards for all including young people with disabilities and additional needs throughout the borough.”

Councillor Shan Alexander, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Achievement, said:
“This is a very exciting project which shows the Council’s commitment to providing the best possible education for all pupils across the borough.  We recognise that in a truly inclusive school environment, the unique needs and aspirations of every single child, those in mainstream education and those with special needs, should be taken into account and this is why we are rolling out a whole school approach to one-page profiles. A nurturing school environment, where self-esteem and self-motivation are encouraged, will lead to higher educational standards in Stockport Schools.”

Stockport Schools involved in the pilot include:

• Abingdon Primary School
• Bradshaw Hall Primary School
• Bramhall High School
• Brookside Primary School
• Meadowbank Primary School
• Mersey Vale Primary School
• Moss Hey Primary School
• Nevill Road Primary School
• Norbury Hall
• Norris Bank Primary School
• Oakgrove School
• Orrishmere Primary School
• Pownall Green Primary School
• Prospect Vale primary School
• Queens Road Primary School
• Reddish Vale Technology College
• Romiley Primary School
• St Bernadettes Primary School
• St Christopher’s Catholic Primary School
• St James Catholic High School
• St John’s CE Primary School
• St Simon’s Catholic Primary School
• St Thomas CE Heaton Chapel
• Tithe Barn Primary School