Debbie Morley has joined the specialist school in the important role overseeing the curriculum offered to the school’s young people and managing the Educational team. Wings Cumbria is part of Kedleston Group and provides residential and day places for children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, and those with autism.
The move is a dream come true for Debbie who has returned to her first love of specialist education. She said: “My heart has always been in SEN as early in my career I was a special needs co-ordinator. Since then I have worked predominantly in mainstream settings in senior leadership roles, but I knew I always wanted to return to my “first love” of SEN.
“The role here at Wings really is a dream come true and it is fantastic, I’ve loved it. It is completely different and no two days are ever the same, it is amazing to see our young people do so well and really thrive.
“I’m constantly impressed by the young people and how resilient they are. They recently sat a maths exam – Year 10s and Year 11s – and they, despite all that’s going on in the world right now, just got their heads down and got on with it. They were perfect.”
While exams and qualifications are important, for the young people at Wings Cumbria benefit, Debbie says, from a more rounded curriculum which best prepares them for adulthood and life away from school.
“At Wings Cumbria, we’re educating the children in the whole; socially, emotionally, morally and educationally. It’s that development of every aspect of the child which prepares them for adulthood – exams are important, of course, but they’re not everything. Getting them ready for life is also important and our curriculum supports both.
“Enhancing their academic and personal skills means our children’s life chances are also enhanced and maximised and we constantly review the curriculum to make sure the subjects we offer give children the very best chance to achieve.
“We’re very ambitious for our young people and, from my perspective, there’s absolutely nothing stopping them from going on successfully to college or university from Wings Cumbria.
“The children here already make me really proud, and I’m looking forward to that continuing. Wings Cumbria is a very special place.”
Dr Lynda Mitchell, Director of Quality and Compliance at Kedleston, said: “We are delighted to welcome Debbie as our new Head of Education at Wings Cumbria. The school has a proud track record in supporting young people to achieve excellent outcomes and to move on to positive destinations. I know with her enthusiasm and experience, her warmth and ability to connect with our children, Debbie and her team will continue to help our children achieve excellent outcomes and fulfil their potential. She’s a fantastic addition to the team.”