STARTING a new school can be daunting for any youngster.
But Darton College went above and beyond to make sure Alex Gurney, who has autism, settled in well.
His mum Louise was so pleased with the support her son has received, she has nominated the school for a Proud of Barnsley award. Alex is 11 and is coming to the end of his first year at Darton College.
And what a year it has been for him.
His mum Louise said: "As most parents will agree, selecting the right 'big school' for your child can be quite daunting, particularly when your child has additional needs. Our son has autism and with the right support which Darton provides he is able to remain in mainstream education."
She said, after early visits and discussions with principal Kate Davies and her team, she and Alex's dad Neil were much more at ease with the move and knew it was the right setting for Alex.
Louise said: "Darton College provides inclusion for all. Our son is so well supported, cared for and kept safe every single day. Kate and her management team and all of the staff in school are dedicated and go above and beyond for every child in the school, always."
Louise said the school's on-site farm and therapy dog helped children by encouraging them to learn about and take responsibility for the animals, which include goats and chickens. She added the school's open-door policy meant she wasn't kept waiting for answers to her questions. She said there are learners who work with the leadership team to assist their peers who are struggling to deal with any problems they may have. The leadership team also promotes wellbeing sessions for staff.
Louise said: "A happy team sure does make the whole place buzz with warmth, care and understanding which then rubs off on all the young people in their care. "Every member of staff including catering, cleaners, admin, in fact anyone on site always has a smile and hello to everyone walking through the door.
"Anyone visiting the school will feel this as soon as they walk into Darton College. I could go on forever with reasons why Darton College deserves every ounce of recognition it should earn. "They truly are a team that Barnsley should be proud of."
