Specialist Drummond School in Inverness celebrated winning a national autism award at its annual primary sports day yesterday.
The city school was given Autism Accreditation by The National Autistic Society, the UK’s leading charity for people on the autism spectrum and their families.
In celebrating their achievement the school invited friends and families to attend their sports day, where the award was presented by Alison Footitt, the society’s information officer for Highland.
The Autism Accreditation award was given in recognition of the school’s good autism practice, including the work done on developing sensory approaches for pupils to minimise sensory overloads.
The observers commented on an eagerness throughout the whole staff to learn new approaches and a willingness to critically evaluate the strategies already in use within the setting.
Ceri Turner, principal teacher for autism, said: “Getting it right for our pupils with autism also ensures we are getting it right for all pupils with additional support needs (ASN).
“This particular assessment tool was chosen by the school because of its comprehensive nature, addressing as it does a broad range of strategies that ensure good practice across the school and beyond, for all our pupils.”
Stephen Pyott, the autism accreditation adviser for the school, said: “Drummond School should be exceptionally proud of their achievement.
“Autism Accreditation highlights good autism practice and we are very pleased to be here to celebrate Drummond’s achievement.”
Drummond headteacher Mark Elvines added: “I am in awe of what all our pupils achieve every day. This award acknowledges the role Drummond School and its staff play in supporting those achievements.
“The Accreditation Award highlights what we as a school do well and where we can improve and grow to ensure every pupil at Drummond has the best learning experience possible.”