Fen Rivers Academy wins two Norfolk Education Awards

The school was named winner of the Outstanding Commitment to SEND award, sponsored by RWE, and the Overall Education Hero award, sponsored by Step Teachers.

Fen Rivers Academy is a Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Special School offering full-time education and therapeutic support to up to 96 children aged between five and 16 years old.

All pupils have an educational healthcare plan (EHCP) linked to early childhood trauma experiences, physical and sensory needs and/or medical conditions such as ADHD and ASD, which have significantly impacted their learning experiences in early life. 

Left to right: Rachel Good, Amanda Fewkes and James Thompson from Fen Rivers with Chantelle Hopes (sponsor – Step Teachers) (Image: Matthew Potter Photographer and Videographer) The judges said: “It was wonderful to hear of the impact the staff support has had on several pupils.”

Amanda Fewkes, headteacher at Fen Rivers Academy, said: “It is a real privilege to lead a team of such dedicated professionals who work so hard and give so much of themselves every day to ensure the children get the very best deal and their needs are met. The accolade belongs to each and every one of them.”

Outstanding Commitment to SEND award

Finalist: East Norfolk Sixth Form College 

The learning support team at East Norfolk Sixth Form in Gorleston-on-Sea is committed to empowering students with additional needs to fulfill their potential both personally and academically.

The team is often approached by parents who have been recommended to the department by high schools.

Finalist: Sarah Whomes of Whitefriars Church of England Primary Academy

Sarah Whomes is described as “an exceptional member of the team” at Whitefriars Church of England Primary Academy in King’s Lynn.

She dedicates much of her time to providing the best possible learning environment for the school’s SEND pupils.

For more information on all the winners, please click here. 

To find out more about the EDP Norfolk Education Awards, please visit norfolkeduawards.co.uk