Trained for success
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
14/10/2008
Hurdling hero Colin Jackson presented staff from Queensmill School with a prestigious National Training Award at a special Whitehall ceremony recently (Thursday October 9).
The school, which caters for 54 autistic children, was presented with the accolade for the magnificent work that it does to train staff on how to teach pupils with specialist needs.
Not only did the school, based on Clancarty Road, win the London region training award for small employers but it also won the national version of the awards. The school will now go through to the grand National Training Award finals in December.
The school’s training package is managed by deputy headteacher Nicky Wills, with the support of the board of governors.
Headteacher, Jude Ragan, said: “We provide excellent training for everyone who works here. We really are committed to ensuring that all of our staff have the most up-to-date knowledge on autism so that we can provide the best of help to our pupils.”
Out of the 27 support staff, Queensmill is currently supporting four through foundation courses at Roehampton University and another four through Masters courses. The school also arranges training sessions for parents.
Jude Ragan added: “It really was wonderful to rub shoulders with Colin Jackson and I am very proud that the school has won such a prestigious award. I would like to thank all of my staff who work so tirelessly for our pupils."
Colin Jackson congratulated all the winners, saying: "I am delighted to take part again in the National Training Awards ceremony in Greater London and present the winners with their trophies. This years recipients have set the benchmark high and have proven that in today’s competitive market, high quality training is an integral part of both personal and business development."
Cllr Antony Lillis, cabinet member for community and children’s services, said: “This really is excellent news and I would like to congratulate Queensmill on winning this honour.”
The National Training Awards celebrate businesses, organisations and individuals that achieve outstanding success through training and development. They are run by UK Skills on behalf of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills and are sponsored by City & Guilds. They are supported by Investors in People.
