Blackburn with Darwen's school "nurture group" is ACE!

A Blackburn-based nurture unit that provides specialist support for secondary key stage 3 pupils has become the first in the country to be awarded the prestigious 'Marjorie Boxall Quality Mark Award'.

The Ace unit, part of Fernhurst School, Blackburn, teaches social and communication skills to school children who need additional support in secure classroom settings - with amazing results.

The award has been presented for the unit's exemplary practice when supporting young people within the borough with social and emotional difficulties - the only secondary aged unit in the UK to achieve this status.

The Ace Unit opened three years ago for key stage 3 students within the borough and offers support for up to eight children at any one time. It provides a quick, effective and affordable way of helping young people overcome their problems and keep up in school.

Gladys Rhodes, Blackburn with Darwen Council's strategic director of children's services, visited the unit to celebrate the Quality Award where she enjoyed some of the "delicious" homemade cakes baked by the students.

Gladys said: "I am delighted that this award has been achieved for the pupils, parents and the staff. "This unit provides a proven and powerful way to work with children, young people and their parents. "Effective early intervention is increasingly recognised as having longer-term benefits for children and young people."

Councillor Chris Thayne, executive member for children's services, offered his congratulations: "I would like to congratulate all involved in this fantastic achievement. The unit has had a significant impact not only on attendance and behavior, but also on academic achievement."

The unit's manager Tina Hulme said: "We build on and develop students' strengths and interests in order to cultivate a sense of achievement and success.

"Within the unit we encourage the development of positive attitudes, social skills and raise self esteem. "We work closely with mainstream schools within the borough providing specialised programmes for students who are having difficulty attending lessons, are withdrawn and who have difficulty relating to others. The results we have seen have been fantastic."

Fernhurst headteacher George Sinclair offered high praise for the service. He said the skills and experience of the staff are being used across both primary and secondary schools in the borough to help students with a wide range of social, emotional and behaviour needs.

Mr Sinclair added: "I cannot overemphasise how pleased I am at the achievements of both the manager, Tina Hulme and Karen Reece, the deputy manager in gaining this prestigious award."

Pupil Brandon Ifould, 13, added: "It's really good here; you get a lot of help. I like taking part in all the different activities and being able to make our own dinner is great!"