The trailblazer status has been granted by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). Cuckmere House was invited to apply to become a specialist SEN trailblazer college following last year’s exceptional Ofsted inspection which found it to be outstanding in every category. Only twelve schools in the country were invited to apply, and only four in the field of behaviour, emotional and social development. Schools designated specialist status also receive additional funding of a £100,000 capital grant, and £240,000 over four years to develop aspects of the school and its work in the community.
Headteacher Frank Stanford said: "We are delighted to have achieved such an accolade. I believe it is a reflection of the tremendous hard work and dedication demonstrated by the staff over a long period of time. The extra funding that is generated through the specialist school programme will allow us to develop further our expertise and the support we are able to offer to our pupils and families, mainstream schools and the local community”.
Congratulating the school, East Sussex County Council’s Lead Member for Children and Families, Councillor Meg Stroude said: "We are very proud indeed of the outstanding achievement of Cuckmere House School. Gaining national recognition of its expertise and high quality provision is a testament to the dedication and hard work of staff and governors. Cuckmere House pupils have also made a tremendous effort and significant progress – achieving trailblazer status could not have happened without their and their parents’ full support and co-operation. "
Notes to editors
Cuckmere House is a special school in Seaford that caters for pupils with severe emotional, behavioural and social difficulties. For a number of years now the school has been seen as a national leader in the field of behaviour management.
Cuckmere House had the highest value added scores in East Sussex for performance in national tests for 14 year olds and examinations for 16 year olds. Value added is a measure of progress and takes into account the pupils' previous attainment.
Cuckmere House also has two school achievement awards, received in 2001 and 2002. These are given by Secretary of State for Education for achievement by a school in improving attainment. In 2003 Cuckmere also gained a Sportsmark Gold for outstanding commitment for supporting the benefits of physical education.
It is also a Lead Behaviour School (primary) as part of a national initiative to improve social and emotional aspects of learning.
For further information, please contact Frank Stanford, Headteacher, Cuckmere House School – Tel: 01323 893319.
Reference:
05/326/CJ
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