Knowsley Central School in Huyton is only one of two schools in the country to be awarded the prestigious Beacon School Status, awarded by the National Autistic Society (NAS).
The Autism Accreditation Programme is UK’s only autism specific quality assurance programme of support and development for all those providing services to autistic people. Achieving accreditation proves that an organisation is committed to understanding autism and setting the standard for autism practice.
Beacon status is a newly created accreditation where schools must demonstrate that they are an outstanding and innovative provision that goes well beyond similar provisions in sharing their expertise and knowledge.
The other judgements are ‘Aspiring’, ‘Accredited’ and ‘Advanced’. Knowsley Central School had previously been awarded ‘Advanced’ status.
Achieving the Beacon status follows an assessment process which included the completion of a self- assessment around current practice, together with developing a supporting action plan, observation of practice, a review of documentation, discussions with staff and pupils at the school and collating the views of parents and carers.
Knowsley Central School is a special school that provides educational provision for pupils that have an Education, Health and Social Care Plan due to having severe learning difficulties and / or complex autism.
Daryl McConnell, Head Teacher at Knowsley Central School, said “I’m delighted that we have secured the Beacon status which acknowledges our collective commitment to providing the very best learning and development opportunities for our pupils.
“This achievement reflects the hard work and support of our pupils, their parents and carers, our staff, Governors and the wider community – we are all working together to support pupils as they progress their personalised learning journey.
“There are only two schools in the country to achieve this accolade and I am delighted that Knowsley Central School is one of them. It really is a true reflection of the support we provide and everyone at the school is, quite rightly, incredibly proud of this achievement.”
Cllr Margaret Harvey, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, added “This is a great achievement for everyone at Knowsley Central School. Well done to everyone involved.”