WE celebrated our first anniversary at the end of half term, by hosting an extra special party for pupils, parents, carers and staff.

Our pupils helped make the party buffet as well as producing celebration artworks and preparing a time capsule, which will be buried on site to be discovered by future generations of pupils.

“Words can’t describe how proud I am of what’s been achieved in the first year in the midst of a global pandemic, and now the aim is to carry on the momentum," said Principal Tracey Train.

One of the parents who attended the event, Samantha Luker, opened up about the impact Mackenzie Thorpe Centre has had on her daughter Sophia and said it was “like winning the lottery” when she was given a place at the school.

“She’s got her sparkle back,” Sam said. “We can see the light in her eyes, and now I feel she will reach her full potential because she’s getting the right guidance. She used to find going to school difficult, but now she skips to the door every morning.”

Another parent Naomi said the school has been a "godsend" for her daughter, who had spent 20 months out of education before the local authority found her a place at The Mackenzie Thorpe Centre.

“Before she started here, she had to be with me constantly, and parents need a break. It’s closer to home than other specialist schools and that’s really important because she suffers from separation anxiety,” Naomi added.

“The staff can’t do enough for the children. Tracey is wonderful as principal and my daughter’s teacher, Steph Pearson, is fantastic.”

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