We were delighted to welcome Laura Trott MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Education, to New Rush Hall School this week for a tour and discussion about the vital role of specialist provision in the education system.
During her visit, Laura met with pupils and staff, toured classrooms, and spent time speaking with school leaders about the challenges and opportunities facing SEN, Alternative Provision (AP) and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs). The visit provided a valuable opportunity to highlight the complexity of the needs our pupils present with, and the importance of properly funded, well-regulated provision for young people.
Laura was particularly interested in how we work therapeutically with young people, the support we provide around emotional regulation and reengagement, and how our specialist staff team builds trusted relationships that allow pupils to thrive both academically and socially.
We were encouraged by Laura’s clear passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable children, and by her understanding of the unique role that schools like New Rush Hall play within the wider education landscape.
Laura also took time to engage with some of our pupils, who proudly showed her around their classrooms and talked about what they enjoy most at school. She was full of praise for their honesty and resilience, as well as the calm, purposeful atmosphere across the site.
We would like to thank Laura and her team for taking the time to visit and for showing such genuine interest in our work. We look forward to continuing the conversation about how national policy can better reflect the lived experiences of the pupils and professionals in the SEN & AP education sector.