A FLINTSHIRE school has claimed the specialist provision school of the year at the Leader Education Awards 2024.

Ysgol Maes Hyfryd were celebrating after being handed the prize at the awards evening at the Village Hotel, St David’s Ewloe on March 14.

Judges were wanting to hear about schools' successes and innovations-from improvements in attendance levels, staff retention, parents' engagements or student success, to new ways you've supported students in their learning or helped them engage with the local community or businesses.

The special education school, Ysgol Maes Hyfryd is where you will find a “dedicated team of staff and governors strongly committed to making a high-quality specialist provision catering for pupils with a wide range of severe and complex needs”.

It has been described as a “very happy” and “vibrant” school where all children are given the opportunity of learning in a caring, stimulating environment.

The specialist high school in Flintshire has received two accreditation awards in recognition of its good practice and has successfully been awarded Autism Accreditation by the National Autistic Society, the UK’s leading charity for autistic people.

The school offers a nurturing, caring and supportive environment considering the needs of the pupils who attend.

After receiving the award, Helen Millard and Tanwen Messam-Johnson said: “Our pupils absolutely deserve this.

“We have great relationships with the pupils and the families, every day is different as the pupils bring challenges but we wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s the best sector in the work, it enhances your life, it really does.

“It’s an absolute privilege to work in the sector, our pupils are all special in their own way and nothing holds them back it’s just about giving them opportunities.”

Also nominated for the award were Bryn Tirion Hall School, Wrexham and Haven School, Mold.

Don't miss our souvenir supplement in this Thursday, March 28 Leader.