Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP visited North Rigton CE Primary School on Friday, 11 October, where he met with Assistant Headteacher, Sophia Gardiner, Headteacher, Amber Andrews and Marketing and Communications Manager for Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, Kate Caine. The visit focused on the school’s status as a "Prem Aware" school, providing support for families of children born prematurely.
Julian was invited to the school by the charity The Smallest Things which focuses on raising awareness and providing support for babies born prematurely and their families.
North Rigton CE Primary School serves nearly 100 children across four classes. The school's commitment to inclusivity and support for all students is demonstrated by its proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by children who have experienced premature birth.
Following her personal experience with premature births Mrs Gardiner was inspired to advocate for greater awareness and support for families affected by prematurity.
Research indicates that children born prematurely may face cognitive and learning difficulties, including slower processing speeds and challenges with memory, attention, and mathematics. Recognising this, North Rigton has implemented measures to identify and support children who may need additional assistance.
During his visit, Julian expressed his admiration for the school’s efforts. Julian said, “It was fantastic to visit North Rigton CE Primary School and learn more about their important work as a 'Prem Aware' school. Supporting families of children born prematurely is vital, and I am pleased by Mrs Gardiner and the team’s commitment to helping every child succeed. I encourage more schools to join this effort to raise awareness and provide support for children born prematurely.”
Mrs Gardiner said, “It was a great opportunity to promote the work of The Smallest Things, which is such a worthwhile charity.”
The school has an open-door policy encouraging parents to share their experiences and concerns, ensuring that families feel supported throughout their children’s education.
