FIVEWAYS School in Yeovil has been awarded a Centre of Excellence status for their programme which supports disabled children and young people to develop their thinking and social skills.

The special school, who received an Outstanding Ofsted rating following an inspection in June, was the first school in the South-West to achieve this recognition

The school’s programme, MOVE (movement opportunities via education) supports young people to “move” on their own.

The Centre of Excellence accolade is awarded to organisations who are “outstanding examples” of MOVE programme best practice, acting as ambassadors for the programme and working to develop and introduce the MOVE programme in other settings.

Headteacher Swavek Nowakiewicz says she is “very proud” of the MOVE team at the school and spoke about the significant impact they have had on pupils.

“Their commitment to embedding and promoting this vital programme has been instrumental in helping our pupils develop essential skills and gain greater independence,” she said.

The school is the first in the south west to receive this accolade Picture: Somerset Council

“Our MOVE team not only supports Fiveways pupils but also collaborates with the education and support teams across the school, enhancing the provision provided to all pupils through the MOVE.

“By achieving Centre of Excellence accreditation, we impact not only the lives of pupils at Fiveways but also those in other schools.

“It is a privilege to be part of this venture and look forward to continuing our journey and inspiring other schools to follow in our footsteps.”

Councillor Heather Shearer, lead member for Children, Families and Education at Somerset Council, congratulated the school following the achievement.

She said: “At Somerset Council, we believe all children and young people can achieve their ambitions and aspirations, if given the right opportunities and support.

“Congratulations to Fiveways School on this important achievement and thank you to all the dedicated and hard-working staff involved.

“I look forward to celebrating more schools across Somerset achieving this status in the near future.”

Fiveways School is actively working in partnership with Yeovil College to help ensure pupils transitioning to further education in September can continue their MOVE programme.