North Fawdon Primary School, part of SMART Multi Academy Trust, have become the first North East school to gain an award which allows the staff to have a better understanding of how to support prematurely born students in the classroom.
The Primary School have met the requirements for the Prem Aware Award which means that the staff have undertaken training which allows staff to have a better understanding of the lasting effects of premature birth, be able to identify issues early and provide the practical and emotional support children may need on their education journey. Alongside this parents were asked if their children were born prematurely whilst requesting feedback as to how they can provide any extra support. The award has been set up by charity The Smallest Things, whose mission is to create a better World for Premature babies and their families, with the intention to allow schools to provide extra support for those who need it as findings showed that two to three children in every typical classroom were born prematurely.
Janine Collins, Deputy Head Teacher at North Fawdon Primary School commented: "The Prism awareness training raised our understanding of preterm birth, and the risk factors it can bring. It has enabled us to extend our knowledge and ensure we gain vital information about preterm birth history. We use our knowledge to recognise needs early, support individuals and their families and encourage all pupils to achieve their very best." Parents also reacted positively to the school gaining this award with one saying: “As a parent it is incredibly reassuring to know that a school has some in-depth knowledge on the impact of prematurity. The effects of severe prematurity can have such an impact on a child’s development particularly in the early stages of school and knowing that North Fawdon practitioners are skilled to provide support and strategies to support this is fundamental in my child’s journey throughout school!”
It has been almost a year since Schools North East have been highlighting good news stories from schools in the region and it is great to see how consistent the will to develop and move forward through in-school achievements is making the charity proud to be a part of this community.
