MP praises Ellesmere Port school's SEND provision and future plans

Ellesmere Port and Bromborough MP Justin Madders paid a visit to Woodlands Primary School and Nursery, celebrating the school’s impressive achievements over the last six years and exciting future plans.

During the visit, Mr Madders toured the rapidly expanding facilities, meeting pupils, teachers, and the leadership team, including the school’s award-winning SENDCo Alice Morphet, who recently won the National Silver Award for SENDCo of the Year.

Praising the school’s commitment to inclusive education, Mr Madders noted the national issues surrounding SEND provision and highlighted the importance of supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), paying particular attention to the school’s two Resourced Provisions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

"Woodlands Primary is a shining example of what a modern, inclusive school could be," said Mr Madders. "Their work in supporting children with additional needs is exemplary, and the dedication of staff is truly inspiring. This is a school that’s not just growing in size, but in local impact."

Woodlands has undergone remarkable growth in recent years. The school has doubled the size of its nursery and preschool provision and is set to open a new baby room from September 2025 in collaboration with Cheshire West and Chester Council, offering care for children as young as nine months.

This expansion comes as part of the school’s broader mission to support families from early childhood through to the end of primary education.

Headteacher Dr Victoria Carr took pride in showcasing the school’s impressive Early Years, nursery and preschool facilities, which have doubled in size to accommodate the increasing number of young children joining Woodlands. The expansion has been warmly welcomed by local families, offering high-quality early years education and care in a wonderful environment.

"We are thrilled with the growth of our nursery and preschool," Dr Carr said. "By doubling our capacity and preparing to open a baby room next year, we’re able to support more families in the community, providing their children with the best possible start."

One of the standout features of Woodlands Primary is its two dedicated Resourced Provisions for children with autism spectrum disorder, which have been opened in the last two successive years. These specialised units, currently catering to Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Year 1 children, offer tailored support in smaller settings, ensuring that every child can thrive in an environment suited to their individual needs.

With many calls each week from parents keen to explore the option of Resourced Provision, Woodlands is now in active discussions with the local authority to extend its Resourced Provision further, with the potential to expand each year for the next five years. This would significantly enhance the school’s capacity to support children with additional needs from nursery right through to Year 6, providing a continuous and inclusive educational pathway in the Ellesmere Port area.

The school’s commitment to inclusivity means that families with children who have additional needs can rest assured that their children will receive the support they require, along with their siblings, in an environment designed to foster growth and development.

Mr Madders was particularly impressed with the school’s vision for the future, stating, "The potential here at Woodlands is enormous. This is a school that is expanding in the range of services it provides, particularly for families with children who have additional needs.

"The wrap-around care and future plans to extend Resourced Provisions will make a huge difference to so many families in our community."

One of the highlights of the visit was discussing the success of Woodlands’ wrap-around care services, which ensure that all children, including those in the Resourced Provisions, can access care before and after school.

This service has been an affordable lifeline for working families, particularly those with children who have additional needs. By offering flexible care from early morning to late afternoon, Woodlands ensures that parents can balance their work commitments with the peace of mind that their children are in a safe, supportive environment.

Mr Madders added: “The sense of pride and joy of learning among staff, students, and parents was palpable.”

School tours are run by the leadership team every other Monday and people can contact the school to arrange to attend one by emailing J.bell@woodlands.cheshire.sch.uk.