We hope we have put across the positive ethos within the school. We are a community of learners that work in open partnership to meet the learning, physical and health needs of our children. Many of our children have complex needs which affect their learning skills and result in  the need for a different approach to their education. Through our ‘Partners in Learning’ mission statement we genuinely believe that we all learn from each other, old and young, and every member of our community is accepted for who they are, and what they can do, and not from what other people think they should be.

I am proud to be the Headteacher of The Cedar School as I know I lead a talented and committed team of professionals who really do believe that ‘Every Child Matters.’ We are determined to problem solve around opportunities and experiences for young people to ensure they are safe, secure, and happy whilst also meeting their individual learning requirements. Team work is a key feature in the school, and our children make good progress and parents are delighted with their child’s education.

Visitors to the school often comment on the happy personalities of our children and their high self-esteem which is a reflection of the work we do at Cedar from their early years in our Nursery through to our Key Stage 4 students. All our young people are encouraged to be as independent as possible, to communicate effectively and to make genuine, informed choices. We know our children very well and we also know that they and their families have many hurdles to overcome. We are determined to support these so that challenges can be turned into positive learning opportunities. We are genuinely an ‘I-can culture.’

Our students are the schools’ best ambassadors and are testimony to the vibrant atmosphere in the school. We are well regarded by a range of people associated with the school and have huge support from the community to improve the outcomes and learning experiences for our children. In our last Ofsted Inspection (October 2006) we were found to be: “A good effective school, where all pupils are included extremely well.” We are not complacent however and have moved on considerably since this judgement.  

In summary Cedar is a happy, secure and positive place to work whether you are a child or an adult. However don’t simply take my word for it … come and visit us, you are assured of a warm welcome.

Jonathan Howells    Headteacher