Alison Hume MP praises innovative work at Wykeham Primary School
Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume has praised the innovative work taking place at Wykeham Church of England Primary School, describing it as a strong example of how creating an inclusive environment for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities improves the educational outcomes for every child.
Ms Hume visited the small rural school, which supports 53 pupils, 24 percent of whom have SEND, to see first‑hand how staff are putting what the school learned as part of the Labour government’s Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme into practice.
During the visit, Ms Hume was shown how low‑level lighting, careful positioning of furniture and chill-out zones have been used to create a calmer, more reassuring environment, supporting children to feel settled and ready to learn.
Ms Hume said: “Wykeham School has a lovely, warm and inclusive feel to it. It’s not hard to see why they have an excellent reputation for supporting children with SEND. Their inclusive approach helps all their pupils develop independence, teamwork and a real connection to their learning.”
After holding a series of public consultations on SEND across her constituency, Ms Hume discussed with Head Teacher Rowena Thorp the school’s decision to establish a mini sensory room following their involvement with PINS.
Backed by £9.5 million in government funding, PINS, which supports neurodivergent students by training teachers to identify and better meet their needs as well as improving parental engagement, will be extended for another year across a further 1,200 schools.
Ms Hume continued: “As a parent of a children with autism I am passionate about seeing better support for neurodiverse children in our educational settings.”
Ms Hume was also impressed by Wykeham’s commitment to outdoor teaching.
Weather permitting, lessons that would traditionally take place in classrooms are moved onto the adjacent playing field or held in neighbouring outbuildings.
After touring the school, Ms Hume met members of its pupil council, answering questions about her role in Westminster and how she represents local residents.
Ms Hume was also presented with letters, written as part of a school project, detailing the children’s views on the pros and cons of building on green belt land.
Ms Hume said: “I enjoyed visiting Wykeham School where it’s clear that the government’s ambition to create an inclusive, support-first system that enables every child to achieve their full potential is already taking shape.”
Mrs Thorp said: “We were delighted to welcome Alison to Wykeham and share the work we are doing to help every child flourish.
“At Wykeham and Hackness, our commitment to high-quality inclusive teaching underpins everything we do, from our classroom design, which takes into account children's sense of safety and wellbeing, to regular outdoor learning experiences, which are planned throughout the week for all age groups.
“Alison’s visit also gave our School Council members a valuable insight into the role of an MP and inspired them to think more deeply about how they can represent the views of their school community and contribute to decision-making in school.
“This is exactly the culture we want to nurture, and I look forward to seeing this develop further.”