School Governors feedback March 2023

Dear Rachel - and all of the Willow Dene team, 

I have just watched the Challenge Partners feedback video and just want to say that I would absolutely agree that you are an amazing school. 

I love the fact that challenge partners picked up on the extended work of the school - siblings, the community links and the family support provision as well as the brilliant teaching practice that is the norm at the school. 

Rachel and all of the SLT are exceptional in the way they care for and support the children in school and also the way they so obviously care about the whole school team 🙂 

I cannot praise you all enough and am so proud to be associated with the school. I talk about the school a lot in my own teaching and work with nursing students too. 

Lynne Wainwright

 

Parent Quote March 2023

"I would like to say a huge thank you for the video, that was one proud mummy moment 🙂 I can't stop watching it, that's a huge step, thank you all so much!"

 

Challenge Partners Report March 2023

"The relationships between school staff, pupils and their families are fantastic. When pupils come into school in the morning, trusting relationships between staff and pupils are evident. For example, in the pouring winter rain, each taxi van takes its place outside reception and a stream of staff quickly help the pupils unload and welcome them into school with bright and welcoming voices to start the school day".

 

Parent Quote March 2022 

"Hi Emmanuel, I’m pleased to hear he is doing so well with his numeracy. He had a great night back into routine and he so needs it. I realise how bad things get without routine. I’m getting great reports from the bus so let's hope he keeps up the good work. Have a great day, L"

 

Parent Quote February 2022 

"Hi Jess, 

Thank you for sending this to me. Truly appreciate it.  

Imahni has been doing really well lately and I’m very happy, she’s reaching for things that she wants now and sometimes even says ‘more’ and honestly my heart is happy because I didn’t think we would get here again. Thanks to all of you for the work that you do. 

Have a lovely day, Vicki Campbell"

 

Careers Practitioner quote January 2022 

"I am a careers practitioner working in Willow Dene school providing information, advice and guidance to families regarding post 16 options and supporting next steps and transitions. The staff at Willow Dene are all very welcoming and so professional. It feels like a family environment when I am in school. I am very happy to be supporting families whilst working with the staff here." 

 

Parent Survey Autumn 2021 

"As a school you are doing a great job. Please continue the good work" 

"This fantastic school is the most amazing thing to ever happen to my child. The staff are exceptional and my child is a totally different person since attending. They just keep impressing me and I wish every child with special needs had the opportunity to attend here. We feel very blessed and I'm certain my child would not achieve what he has without the amazing staff and facilities" 

"I can't thank everyone in words or by expressing my happiness of my child being fortunate to get a place at Willow Dene. My child is so happy here and at home since he has been coming to school. Everyone has been so helpful, supportive and enthusiastic in the development of my child. Music therapy has done fantastic work with my child for him to develop interest in the piano. We at home say he is a pianist as his 9 year old brother is a violinist. We will always remember the team for the fantastic work they have done with my child." 

 

Careers Enterprise Company December 2021 

"I've supported Willow Dene with their careers and work related learning for the past year. Mark and all class teachers have always shown enthusiasm and positive when ideas are put forward. Willow Dene have secured Careers Booster funding for an excellent enterprise project and has already provided an employer encounter with Premier Inn by working closely with business volunteers. Mark consistently takes part in all professional development relevant for Willow Dene. All this hard work has led to Willow Dene securing a place in the Careers Hub within East London, delivered by Local London. Only 50% of schools were able to get a place so it's an incredible achievement." 

 

Challenge Partners Visit - March 2021 

“Willow Dene’s vision of ‘Seeing Possibilities and Realising Dreams’ is shared fully with all stakeholders and reinforces the school’s approach. The culture and ethos of the school is highly positive, and relationships are strong. The curriculum is well sequenced and coherent with individualised expectations applied to each child. As a consequence, pupil’s characters are developed well, and their voice is heard. The positivity and enthusiasm of everyone we have spoken to is exciting and powerful.”  

  

National Careers Week - March 2021 

"Thank you Willow Dene School for sharing your careers learning. Keep up the good work!" 

  

@TalentionCareer Schools Career Week via twitter - March 2021 

'So many schools could learn from Willow Dene - congratulations on a brilliant careers week' 

  

Compass Parent Forum - February 2021 

"At the most recent Compass Oarent Forum Meeting, the quality of remote teaching was discussed and all parents gave very positive feedback about the remote offer that their child has received.  This included our Willow Dene parents.  We wanted you to know this because managing remote teaching at Willow Dene is complex and time consuming.  We thought it was important that you know that it is appreciated" 

  

Parent Comment via Twitter - February 2021 

"cant thank the staff @WillowDeneSch for the amazing work with Oliver! I honestly never believed i would hear this! I hope you all have a great break you deserve it xx" 

  

Parent Video Message via twitter - January 2021 

  

Parent Message - January 2021 

"Your support is really appreciated and the whole school is doing an amazing job during such a difficult time. You've even helped bring me shopping. Teachers are not getting the recognition or thanks they deserve and I want you all to know how very grateful we are for everything all the staff at Willow Dene are doing!" 

  

Jack Petchey Foundation via Twitter - November 2020                 

"What a fantastic way to include young people in deciding your winners AND grant spends!" 

  

Woolwich Contempory Print Fair, - November 2020 

"You guys did some brilliant artwork. The judges have a seriously hard task this week. Watch this space for the announcement on 16 Nov of the winners of the first Young London Print Prize" 

  

Oxleas Community Children Nursint Team - Oct 2020 

"A pupil from @WillowDeneSch helped the nursing team interview for a new nursery nurse for the school team! A great experience for both the team and student" 

  

Emmanuel, former Student - September 2020 

"My family and I are most grateful. Spending 13 years of my life with you, from nursery to secondary." 

  

Parent/Carer - September 2020 

"I would like to thank every single member of staff who have supported me and Abby during the last million years, you truly are amazing and I'm forever grateful!" 

  

  

Councillor Linda Bird - September 2020 

"Awesome work everyone -perhaps Mayor Bird should join the next round of fitness challenges"