Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole 2006/07

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, took an informal tour of Montacute special school.

The School, which was built in 1968, caters for pupils with complex profound and multiple or medical needs, organised into Lower and Upper School and offering a variety of play and learning opportunities. Classrooms are bright and spacious, and additional facilities include a large multipurpose hall, a specialist science & technology base, an interactive sensory room, and access to an on-site swimming pool. Four school vehicles enable all groups to make regular use of community facilities.

The school has a large, well-qualified and talented team of teachers, teaching assistants and administrative staff, and acknowledges its staff as its greatest resource, having earned the national Investors In People standard in recognition of this.

In September 2000 Montacute School was awarded Beacon School status by the DfEE in recognition of its strengths in the areas of Curriculum and Assessment, Specialist Provision, Inclusion and Leadership and Management. 

Welcomed by Head Teacher Marion Sammons, the Mayor was impressed and fascinated by the facilities provided and was delighted to meet many of the pupils, some with severe challenges to overcome. Following the tour, the Mayor called in to the cooking classroom, to find a table laid out with tea, biscuits and a delicious selection of scones with jam and cream which proved to be irresistible.

Cllr Mrs. Judy Butt, Mayor of Poole, said "Through the holistic support and encouragement that is available at this very unique place of learning the students truly glow with achievement, regardless of how small that achievement may be, the school is a warm center of understanding and education, every single student is valued as a person in their own right and contributes at their own level and in their own style. I was treated to a scrumptious cream tea by the students, the scones were made by them as was the table decoration and lay out. An inspiring day, I left feeling that whatever talent I have been given I must use to benefit others to the full, as the students who attend Montacute show by example, despite their obvious challenges they are cheerful, upbeat and ever wanting to give of their best "

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mrs Judy Butt, with pupils and teachers at Montacute special school.

The special tea laid out for the Mayor on her visit to Montacute special school.