Oak View Academy to appoint speech therapist thanks to fundraising efforts

The Winsford school had identified the need for the specialist to prevent children becoming disruptive and failing in the classroom, due to an inability to communicate effectively.

They embarked on a campaign to raise the cash to employ a dedicated therapist, with a Christmas single recorded by the school's choir at the heart of their mission.

Now they have hit their target, and Principal Fiona Rimmer believes working with the therapist, as of next year, will help improve everything from behaviour to academic performance at Oak View.

She said: “Some children coming into our nursery and school are held back by an inability to communicate their needs. This results in frustration and disinterest in learning.

“We have been very clear on what we need to do to help them reach a level where they are able to learn effectively.

“We are delighted that we have managed to raise the money to pay for full time support for the next twelve months.”

Governor Kevin Hassett was behind the idea to record and sell Oak View's version of I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday.

Mr Hassett added: “When some children arrive at nursery unable to speak, you know that you have to do something to help them prepare for school.

“Without support, children with speech and language difficulties become disruptive and their behaviour impacts on the whole class.”

The school, ranked second worst in the country just three years ago, was recently rated 'good' by Ofsted as their drive to improve in all areas continues to pay off.

Their transformation began in 2014 when the Whitby’s Lane school, then called Greenfields Primary, joined North West Academies Trust (NWAT).

Steve Docking, chief executive of NWAT, said: “We are committed to providing the pupils of Oak View with the very best start to their education through fantastic resources, dedicated teachers and by exposing them to a rich and varied curriculum.”