Orrets Meadow School in Moreton has officially joined the Oak Trees Multi Academy Trust, becoming the first special needs school to become part of the growing educational network in Wirral. The move marks a significant expansion for the trust, which now includes 13 schools across the borough.
The partnership is expected to enhance educational opportunities and support systems for children by combining the specialised expertise of Orrets Meadow with the collaborative framework of the trust. Leaders from both organisations have expressed optimism about the future of the collaboration.
Key Takeaways
- Orrets Meadow in Moreton is the first special needs school to join the Oak Trees Multi Academy Trust.
- The trust's portfolio has now expanded to 13 schools across the Wirral.
- The school, rated 'outstanding', caters to 94 pupils from year one to year six.
- Leaders aim to share expertise and improve support for children throughout the network.
A New Chapter for Education in Wirral
Orrets Meadow School, a highly regarded institution for pupils with special educational needs, finalised its transition into the Oak Trees Multi Academy Trust last week. This development establishes a new precedent for the trust, integrating a specialised educational provider into its diverse network for the first time.
Located in Moreton, the school serves 94 pupils between year one and year six. It has earned an 'outstanding' reputation for its dedicated approach to supporting children with specific learning difficulties.
Statements from Leadership
The move has been welcomed by leaders from both the school and the trust. Carolyn Duncan, Headteacher of Orrets Meadow, shared her enthusiasm for the new partnership.
"We are thrilled that our wonderful school is now part of Oak Trees and we are excited about all the expertise we can share and how we can work together to support Wirral children," she said.
This sentiment was echoed by Tony Lacey, the chief executive of Oak Trees Multi Academy Trust, who highlighted the significance of the occasion.
"It is such a proud day to have Orrets Meadow join our trust," Lacey stated. "We are thrilled to have such an outstanding school join us and we are excited about what the future holds for us working together."
About Orrets Meadow School
Orrets Meadow School provides specialised support for primary-aged children with complex specific learning difficulties. Its curriculum is designed to address individual needs, helping pupils develop academically, socially, and emotionally in a supportive environment. Its 'outstanding' rating reflects its success in achieving positive outcomes for its students.
Growth and Collaboration within Oak Trees MAT
The Oak Trees Multi Academy Trust was established in 2017. It was formed when four local schools decided to formalise an existing collaborative partnership, creating a unified structure to improve educational standards and share resources effectively.
Since its inception, the trust has grown steadily. The inclusion of Orrets Meadow brings the total number of member schools to 13, creating a comprehensive network that serves a wide range of students across the Wirral peninsula.
Oak Trees Multi Academy Trust at a Glance
- Total Schools: 13
- Primary Schools: 8
- Junior Schools: 3
- Secondary Schools: 1
- Special Schools: 1 (Orrets Meadow)
Strategic Importance of the Partnership
The addition of a special school is a strategic move for the Oak Trees MAT. It allows the trust to broaden its expertise in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), providing a valuable resource for all schools within the network. Teachers and staff across the 13 schools will now have greater access to the specialised knowledge and practices developed at Orrets Meadow.
This collaboration is expected to lead to more integrated support systems for children with diverse learning needs, fostering a more inclusive educational environment across the entire trust. The partnership aims to ensure that best practices are shared widely, benefiting pupils in mainstream and specialist settings alike.
Future Outlook for Wirral Schools
The integration of Orrets Meadow into the Oak Trees Multi Academy Trust represents a forward-thinking approach to education in the region. By bringing mainstream and specialist schools under one umbrella, the trust is creating a more resilient and versatile educational ecosystem.
According to statements from the trust, the focus for the future will be on leveraging this new partnership to enhance professional development for staff and deliver improved outcomes for all students. The collaboration is seen as a model for how different types of schools can work together to meet the evolving needs of the community.
As the trust continues to grow, this partnership will likely serve as a blueprint for future integrations, emphasising the value of collaboration and shared expertise in raising educational standards for every child in Wirral.