Official Souvenir Brochure 100 Years of Changing Children’s Lives WEST KIRBY SCHOOL AND COLLEGE
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Contents... P.5......... A Very WarmWelcome P.6......... 100 Years of Changing Children’s Lives P.8......... 1 924 - A notable year in the Life of The Children’s Convalescent Home P.10. ...... A Brief Timeline P.12....... How We Strive P.14....... Words from our Headteachers P.16. ...... How We Build P.18. ...... How We Care P.20....... How We Learn P.22....... How We Play P.24....... How We Grow P.26....... Acknowledgements 3
A Very WarmWelcome... By Miss Sian Thomas, Principal & CEO “Welcome to this exhibition celebrating 100 years and more of West Kirby School providing education to young people in the local area, the Wirral and beyond. I feel it is a real privilege to be the Principal of West Kirby School and College and as I enter my fifth year of being the Head Teacher/Principal here, I am mindful of the busy four years which we have had. This includes the pandemic, which started with lockdown in March 2020, delivering all that COVID entailed: bubbles, masks, sanitiser, self-isolation and weekly changing regulations; the changes to the Ofsted framework in 2019, which staff diligently worked through and which resulted in an ‘Outstanding’ grade in December 2021; the changes to the Residential Care Ofsted framework in September 2022, which resulted in a grade of ‘Good’ early in 2023. Exacerbating these challenging four years, we have had no less than six different Secretaries of State for Education, which has certainly pushed the change agenda significantly. Despite all this and through all this, our amazing staff team, which is strongly supported by a fantastic Board of Trustees, has remained resolute, hard-working, dedicated and driven to provide the very best for the pupils who attend our school. We strive to uphold the values which the founders of the school laid out on the 19th of August 1924. Their objective was to provide the children and young people of the locality with an outstanding academic environment, which enables each child to reach their full potential, regardless of the challenges they face. I know the staff share this vision and I know pupils are fully supported to reach our School’s values of being kind, nurturing, respectful, aspirational, proactive and enterprising. We work with wonderful young people who make great strides here at WKS. In 2021 we set up an Animal Care provision and in 2023 we opened our state-of-the-art School Bakery, where pupils learn work based skills and can gain more accreditations. These opportunities are in addition to the usual wide variety of school subjects. As the Charity has grown we look forward to opening a second school in Lydiate, Sefton. This school will meet the needs of primary aged pupils with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and is a project which will continue the Charity’s highest aspirations for children in the future. I will not be here in 100 years, but I hope that the custodians of the future feel the sense of privilege which I have enjoyed.” We thankWest Kirby United Reformed Church for hosting this special event. 5
6 100 Years of Changing Children’s Lives Discover how the roots of our school started as a Children’s Convalescent Home in 1881, how we evolved to a school for children with special educational needs; and how, to this day, our school is passionate about creating aspirational futures for children; still, changing children’s lives. We explore the story through the lens of values; central to the school history throughout. Values have always been at the heart of West Kirby School and College going back to our original purpose as a Convalescent Home in 1881 and through to our final transformation to a special educational needs school in 1979. This continues to be the case today. An example of this value driven approach is from the early 20th century - the Home’s medical wards were named after values and virtues such as Charity, Hope and more. Today our six modern values are themes that run through everything we do at West Kirby School and College. We are a school where pupils are encouraged to display these in all their behaviour and learning. The Children’s Convalescent Home 1906
7 Looking at key figures in the history of our school, from Miss Agnes Giddings and Dr William McAfee, right through to current members of our school community. The school building itself. The ‘bricks and mortar’ of our institution, from our convalescent home origins at Filey Terrace in Hoylake, through to the historic building on Meols Drive and its modern additions. The convalescence and medical origins of our school and continuing medical procedures and events, through the recent Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 - 21, to our current day practices. Teaching and learning at West Kirby School and College beginning back in 1901, going through the 1924 Articles of Association, to the development of our Clinical & Support Services in the modern era. How do pupils enjoy their free time and leisure in our school? This section will look at events such as sports days, school trips plus other wellbeing and enrichment activities for both pupils and staff. West Kirby School and College has grown a great deal since its origins. This section looks at our engagement with the town, region, country and world through school exchange visits, Royal visits, Lord Mayor’s Days, community partnerships and recent innovations such as our School Bakery opening to the local community. Our modern values are: Our exhibition seeks to reflect and interpret these values and tells our story through six sections: How We Strive How We Learn How We Play How We Grow How We Build How We Care Did You Know? Our six modern values are themes that run through everything we do at West Kirby School and College
8 1924 - A notable year in the Life of The Children’s Convalescent Home This was an important year for the Home in regards to its status as a medical institution and what was then called a special school. 1924 was the year in which The Children’s Convalescent Home, West Kirby (Incorporated) was first formally and legally recognised. The Memorandum and Articles of Association were drawn up, an official and legal document, dated 23rd August 1924. Articles of Association are: “The legal rules about running an organisation as agreed by the funders, directors, committee members and chairman.” 1924 was the year these rules were formally set out, meaning that 2024 is the centenary of our school’s formal beginnings as both a convalescent home and an educational establishment. Signatories to the Articles of Association: Dr WilliamMcAfee MD JP Chairman, born in County Antrim, he moved to West Kirby between 1883-85. Honorary Medical Superintendent at the Home, he was a pivotal figure in the early years. Sir Alfred Vaughan Paton Hon. Secretary, Sir Alfred was also Director and President of the Liverpool Cotton Association and Chairman of Rainford Potteries Ltd. William Clibbet Stapledon A shipping merchant who was based in Port Said, Egypt before settling in West Kirby. Father of the well known science fiction author (and resident of Caldy) Olaf Stapledon who sponsored a cot in his father’s honour at the Home. William Henry Anderson • John Edward Chadwick George Vallance Wall • Emma Fairrie Other notable staff included: Dr Duncan McAfee - Hon. Medical Superintendent Miss Mary HB Lockwood - Matron Miss Whitfield - Headteacher
9 1924 The Year in Figures... By March 1925 there had been: • 989 patient admissions • 787 admissions went home well • 159 were much improved • 40 were still no better Most of the patients came from the following locations: • 459 from Liverpool • 206 from Birkenhead • 31 from Rock Ferry • 26 from Hoylake • 23 from Chester Note: There were also 19 patients fromWest Kirby and even 2 came from as far away as Worcestershire. The most common medical conditions recorded at the Home in 1924 were: • Debility (physical weakness arising from primary illness): 181 patients • Pneumonia: 87 patients • Tubercular joints: 65 • Bronchitis: 50 • Spinal disease: 41 • Incipient phthisis (e.g. early stage wasting disease, consumption): 37 • Anaemia: 33 • Glandular disease: 29 • Rickets: 29 • Rheumatism: 25 Did You Know? Total salaries for 1924 were: £1676 13s 10d Nurse & Child Late 1800s
10 A Brief Timeline... 1881: The Children’s Convalescent Home in Hoylake is opened. Miss Agnes Giddings becomes Matron. The construction of a new Home on Meols Drive, West Kirby is completed. With two & half acres and capacity for 40 children. Between 1896 and 1899 the Home is further expanded to accommodate 132 patients. The Children’s Convalescent Home is granted ‘special school’ status. The first in the UK. A new open air ward is opened for use by convalescing patients and electrical lighting installed. The highest number of cots for use in a year by recovering children is achieved. Peak admissions - 1347 patients in one year. The Children’s Convalescent Home, West Kirby (Incorporated) is first legally recognised through the Articles of Association. 1888 1896 1901 1911 1930 1909 1924
11 Our charity is renamed West Kirby Educational Trust. Our school becomes West Kirby Residential School and ‘Home’ is dropped from the title. By this point the sole emphasis of our school is on education. The school name changes from West Kirby Residential School to West Kirby School and College. Most of our pupils now attend on a day basis. Our name changes to West Kirby Convalescent Home and School to reflect the move away from convalescence and towards education. The West Kirby School Roof Appeal is launched and is eventually successful in its aim of building a new roof. Opening of Acre View Primary School is planned. 1979 2015 1959 1997 2024
How We Strive Throughout our school’s history, notable individuals have made their mark and strived to help those less fortunate. They have embodied our modern value of nurturing, something that is continued to this day. The first ‘movers and shakers’ of Hoylake Convalescent Home were Mr H.D Brandreth Chairman, Mrs Brandreth (His wife and Head of the Ladies Committee) and Dr William McAfee as Honorary Medical Officer. Though she wasn’t the first Matron, Miss Agnes Giddings is noteworthy in the history of the Home. She essentially ran the Home in her time here and any medical enquiries had to go through her. Other important contributors to the early life of the Home included: Sir Alfred Vaughan Paton: A remarkable individual who was on the Home’s committee from 1893 and Honorary Secretary of the Home from 1920 to 1929. A very generous person, he made a large donation of £1000 towards the building of a new wing in 1894. 1st Baron TB Royden: Vice Chairman of the Cunard Shipping Company, MP for Bootle and third Chairman of the Home from 1896 to 1913. He was also a generous benefactor, donating £500 towards a new wing in 1896. Dr Duncan McAfee: Son of William, he began as Medical Officer for the school attached to the Convalescent Home and succeeded his father as Medical Superintendent. Dr McAfee died 4 years after the Second World War ended in 1949. Miss Gladys Fellows: Matron at the Convalescent Home from 1927 to 1953. She was noted for the ‘conscientious thoroughness with which she devoted herself to the duties of her post’. Miss Margaret Beavan: One of the most influential West Kirby women ever. Margaret was a welfare worker and committee member from early on and founded the Ellen Gonner Convalescent Home. Margaret was a dedicated campaigner for improving the lives of underprivileged mothers and their children. She was a member of the National Council of Women of Great Britain and achieved the role of first female Lord Mayor of Liverpool in 1927. She would later run for parliament in 1929 before her death in 1931. Another famous and much loved ex-member of staff was Mr Paul O’ Grady, who worked at the home for three years in the mid 1970s as a ‘housefather’. In recent years, our Headteachers have been Mr Frank Price, Mr Paul Brennan, Gareth Williams OBE, Mr Iain Sim and Miss Sian Thomas, who is our current Principal and CEO. Our longest serving member of staff is Mr Mike Jones, who has been with us since 1981. Anthony Shone, President of our Charity since 1988. Anthony and his family have always been passionate and active supporters of the Convalescent Home and more recently the school. Anthony led the successful 1997 Roof Appeal and to this day is supportive of the school’s development and growing community partnerships. He comments “It has been so exciting to watch the progress the School has made.” Miss Gladys Fellowes Miss Margaret Beavan Sir Alfred Vaughan Paton Sir Alfred Vaughan Paton made a donation of £1000 towards the building of a new wing in 1894 12
13 Miss Agnes Giddings (B. 1855 D. 1944) Born in Bromham, Wiltshire. She had previously worked at Wirral Children’s Hospital in Birkenhead before her time in West Kirby. She spent 23 years at the Convalescent Home. She died at the grand old age of 89. Dr William McAfee (B. 1856 D. 1929) An early donor to the Convalescent Home and also committee member of the West Kirby United Reformed Church. Dr McAfee would contribute to the running of the Home for 47 years, 40 years of which he was the Honorary Medical Superintendent up until early 1928. He was succeeded by his son Duncan. Duncan had been awarded the military cross for service in WWI and retained his role at the Home until after WWII. Mr Mike Jones Mike joined our school in 1981. He spent 28 years in the Residential Care department, progressing to team leader, before becoming our Vocational Technical Coordinator in recent years. As well as being the longest serving staff member in our school, Mike is a long serving crew member of the RNLI. He joined in 1980, aged 18 and has served as shore crew, senior helmsman, mechanic and head launcher. Mike has served on 4 different classes of lifeboat. Recently Mike has become the subject of a New Brighton street mural by the artist Smug One. Titled ‘Unsung Heroes’, the mural celebrates the RNLI and Mike’s 40 year plus association with this vital organisation. But it isn’t just staff members who have made their mark on the school and wider community - A former pupil, Cal Ruddy, is a very successful, award winning Country and Americana singer songwriter. Also even more recently, former School pupil Nathanael Griffiths won Season 3 of ‘Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker’. Both emphasise the achievements of our pupils once they leave our school. An important part of school life today is that pupils have input into how school is run. This is achieved through our Pupil Empowerment Programme with Pupil Voice and Pupil Ambassador teams. Our pupils are passionate about lots of causes and get the chance to share that passion here and the opportunities to bring about change within the school. Did You Know? In 2023 we commissioned a special mural to celebrate our brilliant staff! Mr Paul Brennan Mr Mike Jones Nathanael Griffiths Miss Agnes Giddings Dr William McAfee Pupil Voice Forum
A few words from our previous Headteachers IAIN SIM Headteacher: 2015 to 2019 “The good memories of West Kirby Residential School surround the development of services for the children and young people at the school. Allowing the school to maintain its outstanding recognition as well as being an innovative and forward thinking provision. This included developments such as: Expanding the therapy service to support their sensory and linguistic needs. Expanding a team of Speech and Occupational therapists with specially resourced facilities to offer exceptional input. The growth of the pastoral care team provision to help support emotional needs, regulatory support and alternative therapies. In doing so allow pupils the space to grow and have trusted adults with whom they could have established and valued attachments, building their resilience. The establishment of The Zone for those with complex needs. A unique provision that truly put the pupil at the centre of approaches to learning. The redefining of the curriculum so that it provided pupils with the breadth and depth of education needed for them to help move into adulthood. Providing a supportive web of learning that ensured success was achievable for all. My time at West Kirby School and College was a period of change and development for everyone with the central tenet of putting pupils at the very heart of everything we do.” GARETH WILLIAMS OBE Headteacher: 1994 to 2015 “Early days at the school were not easy for a variety of reasons, however with the appointment of a completely new leadership team in the early years and their belief in how I wanted to move the school forward; their hard work and dedication soon helped West Kirby to develop into an outstanding Residential Special School, with both Care and Education flourishing and gaining ‘Outstanding’ results from Ofsted inspections. As pupil numbers increased, development of the buildings became a priority, also a new roof was deemed necessary. The roof appeal along with the local newspapers made the community much more aware of the school. A target of over £400,000 was soon achieved and many other building projects soon followed, including a new sports hall and various multi use play areas for the pupils to enjoy. As demand for a wider curriculum increased, new specialist staff were appointed and many pupils benefitted from excellent GCSE, AS level and A level results in a variety of subjects. We further developed a strong Speech and Language department to support both pupils and staff to understand the needs and routines of day to day teaching, caring and learning in a supportive environment. The school later developed into an ‘International School’ gaining accreditation from the British Council with links to South Africa, India and China. Trips were undertaken by many students to these three countries and the school hosted various groups also. Finally, on a personal note, I would like to thank all the staff who I had the privilege to work with for their hard work, dedication and trust in me. This allowed me to develop as a person and leader, finally becoming a ‘National Leader of Education’ and being given the opportunity to support other schools.” PAUL BRENNAN Headteacher: 1993 to 1994 “By 1970 the Convalescent Home (‘Connie Home’) was evolving into a residential school for 160 youngsters disadvantaged by physical and medical problems. Having spent the previous ten years working in establishments for very challenging young offenders, I was delighted when, on arrival, I got a written invitation from the senior pupils to join them for tea and home-made cakes. What a change, what a welcome! Then ‘The Home’ was still run very much on the hospital model; large wards, some open air, iron bedsteads, their sheets and blankets with hospital corners, strict visiting rules etc. Over a period of years we progressed: living in small groups, each with two houseparents, old wards partitioned to become bedrooms with divan 14
beds and duvets, separate dining rooms, lounges with (colour) TVs. At weekends, older pupils began going out to the shops unescorted, many joined local groups, Scouts, Guides, Army and Sea Cadets etc. and ho(!) a payphone was installed to enable children to keep in regular contact with home… never much money in though (‘Put 10p in, ring Mum, put phone down, press button B, money returned, stay by the phone, mum calls back, pocket money saved’). Concurrently, educational facilities and opportunities were massively expanded with new classrooms and numerous GCSE courses. I taught the senior class and enjoyed both my pupil’s newfound enthusiasm and their examination successes. For many, there was neither work experience nor day release to the FE college. However with the national trend towards inclusivity, increasingly children with medical and physical problems were being catered for locally; boarding became less popular and hugely expensive, thus a further change of direction for WKRS became essential”. FRANK PRICE Headteacher: 1979 to 1993 “I spent 29 years involved with the school. When I first started we had 160 children resident at the school. The aim of the school was to provide a stable, caring, stimulating environment, within which the children could come to terms with their problems and receive professional treatment, support and therapy. Every help and encouragement was given to the children to master educational problems and attain their full potential, tackling where appropriate, a wide range to GCSE and GCE. The success they attained was a source of considerable satisfaction. We were involved in the Unit Accreditation Scheme and many pupils gained Statements of Achievements in various subjects, notably in woodwork and Information Technology skills at Wirral Metropolitan College, and in numeracy, literacy and social/independence skills at the school. We were included on the Wirral T.V.E.I programme. The Leavers Work Experience Programme included links with the local secondary schools and the Wirral Met Careers Service liaised to provide a variety of work preparation experience for school leavers. Our in-service training programme included speakers from: Wirral Social Services, counsellors, child protection experts, City and Guild representatives, staff attended courses organised by Wirral Education Authority, Cheshire EA and the University of Liverpool Education Dept. The Leisure Activities programme offered participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. A number of pupils gained Bronze and Silver awards. Some of the girls attended local Girl Guide groups. Some of the boys attended detachments of the Naval, Air and Army Cadets forces. Pupils gained ASA and STA swimming awards. The Judo Club met twice a week. They then amalgamated with Neston Judo Club, and attended twice a week at Neston High School. During the summer term, some boys joined Caldy Cricket Club. Every summer term, the P.E teachers would take a group of Boys and Girls camping usually to North Wales. One year a group went camping close to the Shropshire Union Canal - our school football team played against the local school. Students from the North East Institute of Higher Education, Liverpool Institute of Higher Education, Chester Education College and Wirral Metropolitan College attended as part of their training courses - both teaching and childcare. Local secondary schools and other voluntary agencies used the school for work experience placements. Twenty volunteers, male and female, from the area came in on a rota basis to listen to the younger children read. There was also a very active ‘Friends of West Kirby Residential School’ association. p.s For a number of years, the pupils attended riding lessons at a local riding school. Myself, two teachers and two childcare members of staff also took a group of pupils to Northern France for a week in 1980.” 15
16 How We Build In 1869 the creation of the ‘Wirral Dispensary for Sick Children’ set a precedent for our school. In the early 1880s, discussions took place about the potential of the Hoylake and West Kirby area as the site of a convalescent home for sick children from poorer backgrounds. The idea was that the lovely seaside location would be the perfect tonic to aid children’s recovery from illness. Filey Terrace, Hoylake In 1881 the first home was established at 6 Filey Terrace, Hoylake as ‘Hoylake Children’s Convalescent Home’. The first annual report states that it was ‘Established to receive poor children of poor parents from any part of the Hundred of Wirral and, if room permits, elsewhere.’ In total, Filey Terrace could accommodate six patients at any given time. Far too small for the original Home’s mission. A decision was taken in 1885 to build a new home on the edge of West Kirby that could accommodate 30 patients. With a budget set at £5000 (approximately £500,000 in today’s money) and a site of two and a half acres identified, an appeal was put out to the public for £2500. The appeal was more than successful, as the £3427 raised. In July 1888 this new Home was completed. It is still the site of our school to this day and retains many original features e.g. the beautiful red Ruabon brickwork. Building work at the new Home didn’t stop here; 6 years later the Committee agreed to the building of a new wing. This would accommodate 30 extra patients and was ready by 1896. It consisted of an isolation ward, a special dormitory on the ground floor for children with physical impairments, a school hall and a day room. It also had modern gas lighting. The exterior forms part of the main body of our school building to this day. Later, in 1898 work began on a second wing. This was intended to accommodate 50 cots. It was later named as ‘The Royden Wing’. A brass plaque still exists commemorating this, outside our school hall. In 1904, a decision was made to build a permanent nurses’ home on the grounds, to benefit their wellbeing and make their working lives easier. This comfortable, modern home was completed in 1906. 5 years later open air wards were constructed to maximise fresh air for the children and support lung related illnesses. Building works in 1924 included a nurses’ tennis court and children’s playground with see-saws, swings etc. Filey Terrace then The Oldest Photograph 1888 Filey Terrace now The New Boiler Room Royden Wing Plaque “Established to receive poor children from any part of the Hundred of Wirral”
17 The First World War put most building works on hiatus, but 1931/32 were big years for building improvements and additions. An open air classroom, new boiler house, engineering workshop and chimney were all completed and the hospital wards were reorganised. 1953 saw the building of the school hall which is still here to this day. During these post-WWII years, our establishment became less of a home and more of a residential school. Young people still stayed here, but as live-in pupils during term time. The school name changed to the ‘Children’s Convalescent Home and School’ to reflect this. The 1960s brought great changes, including the open air wards being converted into classrooms in 1963, followed by the Selwyn Lloyd Building a year later. By 1982 the former wards had become live-in dormitories but retained the same ward names, e.g Courage, Rest etc. 1997 saw the launch of the West Kirby Roof Appeal by Chairman Anthony Shone, now the President of the Charity. Members of the public donated £1 to ‘buy a brick’. In return they would receive a foam brick to commemorate the Appeal. A commemorative plate was made in 1999 to mark the successful Roof Appeal. In recent years, a new link bridge extension has been developed as a sensory space for our Primary department. A dedicated sports hall has also been built on the site of the (now demolished) nurses accommodation. The MUGA (Multi Use Games Area), which is located alongside the re-developed Horticulture area is also a recent addition to aid pupils’ play and leisure. And even though the school’s lifeboat is long gone, the school is now the proud owner of a fire engine! Our School Bakery is the most recent building addition and the future looks bright for further developments. Residential Provision “Our residential setting provides a homely environment for our young people in the local community. Our students can feel more independent in this kind of setting. Our residential setting moved from Sherwood Grove, Meols in 2018 into the current refurbished former farmhouse. This provides plenty of space in its own grounds and a new annexe has been added to the historic building. This proved to be a real success supporting our young people and watching them move forward to bright futures.” The Residential Team Open Air Ward 1911 Link Bridge Extension View from Meols Drive Horticulture Area School Pageant 1955
18 How We Care “No place could be more suited to convalescing children. A dry sandy soil and always a fresh sea breeze, it escapes much of the damp of Liverpool and Birkenhead” Nursing Record 1888. After the original Home opened in 1881, in the first 14 months 72 patients were accommodated. This grew to 77 patients in 1883. The new West Kirby Home was opened in 1888. In 1892, demand for cots and beds overtook resources due to the Home’s obvious benefits. Though there was often a charge (ranging between 5/- and 7/-), some cot places were free thanks to benefactors paying subscriptions for cots and nominating children for their use. These cots were situated across the 12 wards named Plenty, Comfort, Joy, Help, Mercy, Hope, Rest, Charity, Patience, Courage, Peace and The Fold. 1900 saw a steep rise in patients with non-infectious tuberculosis being admitted to the hospital, but the majority of cases still involved general debility, bronchitis, pneumonia and pleurisy. Between 1908 and 1911, 3 open air wards had been built to help with these needs. Various contagious diseases broke out at the Home in its early history e.g. Scarlet fever followed by measles in 1910, then mumps, chicken pox and diphtheria in 1926 - these were all managed well by the diligent medical staff. In 1914, a new sanatorium opened at Leasowe, meaning that less tuberculosis cases were admitted to the Home. As a result, the Home’s emphasis was placed on recovery rather than treatment of diseases. This year also saw the outbreak of WWI; in December two wards were freed up for treatment of injured soldiers returning from the frontline. In total 250 soldiers were treated up until 1915. Memorial Cots These were cots that could be used by the most ill children to recover during their time here. These cots helped to supply a very real need for children to have a rest in the country, where they could receive appropriate care and attention. - Wealthy subscribers would pay for their upkeep and nominate children to use them. - 5 guineas annual subscription: The benefactor could nominate a child for a 3 week stay - 15 guineas annual subscription: They could nominate a child for the use of the cot over the course of the year - The cots included brass plates with names such as ‘Cosy Corner’, ‘Beehive’ and ‘Rest’. Royal Doulton tiles Over the years the children’s home built up a collection of Doulton pictorial tile panels which were displayed alongside the cots. They were funded by the good and great or as a way commemorating donations made by families in memory of their loved ones. The tiled plaques were set in the walls above the cots, naming the beneficiaries, creating individual memorials for families. The donations also covered the cost of the cot beds at the home for many years. Ranging in date from 1889 to 1953, the tiles had some unusual designs featuring children, animals and nursery rhymes. Originally there were also four friezes above fireplaces with a seasons theme. Over time some of the tiles have been retained and restored and many are still on display today. Did You Know? The children’s home built up a collection of Doulton pictorial tile panels Nurses Relaxing in the Sun Outside Nurses Home 1950 Faith Ward 1913 Nurse & Child Late 1800s One of the Wards c. Mid 20th Century
19 A measles outbreak in 1918 impacted on post WWI admission numbers and in the same year, the influenza pandemic spread across the world. Sadly, two nurses died as a result. In 1923 a ward was adapted as a laboratory for microscopical and bacteriological research. This was named after Dr William McAfee to commemorate 40 years of his involvement with the Home. The summer of 1925 saw a rise in places, particularly from children with rheumatic fever. 1930 saw a decision made to bring the Home up to modern hospital standards. Diet improved dramatically also, as more fruit, veg and dairy were consumed. By 1931 a novel method of treatment and rehabilitation was being trialled at the Home - artificial light therapy. Under Sister Webster, 49 children were treated using this new method. 1932 saw a new improved water supply and all staff inoculated against diphtheria. This was also the first year that the total amount of operations in the Home were recorded, noted as 85 cases. On the eve of World War II, all able children were sent back to their homes. On 1st September 1939, the Home came under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health to be used as a hospital for surgical cases. In July 1948 the NHS was founded. The effect this had on the Home was that there were less children needing medical care. The numbers of recovering children continued to decline further in the 1960s and by the 1970s the Home was no longer a medical institution. During 1976, the UK saw an unprecedented summer heatwave and a letter found in the archives dated 5th July that year describes an increase in children suffering with asthma. 21st Century Care In 2020 the Covid-19 pandemic swept the world. Our school had to adapt to this whilst staying open for our pupils. Certain measures had to be introduced to the school and working days of both pupils and staff. These measures included mask wearing around school, staff and pupils being assigned social bubbles and visitors to the school being limited. Today, pupils can access a range of Clinical and Therapeutic Support Services. Each pupil has an individual Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). In 1937 it was noted by the visiting ‘Education Committee for the West Riding of Yorkshire’ that: 29 Nurses are employed, plus other staff who visit daily (e.g a masseuse) During their stay children will consume... 31 gallons of milk / 124 lbs of bread 14 lbs of butter / Fruit (cost £167) Meat (cost £520) / Sugar (cost £140) The McAfee Laboratory examined 500 specimens and developed a new methodology for identifying diphtheria in patients. Each child has a daily bath. Nurses’ Uniforms - Early 1950s This was from a former nurse describing the uniform she wore in 1952: MATRON: Grey long sleeved dress, no apron, hat SISTERS: Navy long sleeved dress, apron, hat NURSES: Blue long dress, hats with plaited edges Everyone wore black shoes and stockings Did You Know? Until the early 1930s, light therapy was considered an effective medical therapy for ‘sickly children’ Young Nurse and Girl 1954 Nurses Under Order In the Kitchen 1910 Laundry 1910 Royal Doulton tile
20 How We Learn Patients were taught by volunteer teachers at first, but 1901 was the year in which more formal education provision began at the Home. At first, there was no dedicated school classroom and an existing ward was used for lessons. In the same year it was recommended the Home be granted ‘special school’ status. This was trailblazing, as the Convalescent Home was the first of its kind in the UK to be granted this status. On 27th December 1901 a new dedicated classroom was opened for use. At this time, Miss Whitfield was appointed as the first - and only - paid teacher. Four years later the Home was placed on the national list of recognised boarding special schools. In 1913 the Home extended its teaching capacity as the Board of Education granted its approval to 50 children being taught here at any given time. 1924 saw the Home recognised formally and legally through the Articles of Association coming into effect. This year also saw the retirement of Miss Whitfield after a 50 year career, 23 of which were at the Home. The AGM report the following year said of Miss Whitfield: ‘Throughout the 23 years following her appointment in 1901, she showed herself a thoroughly capable teacher, and to the many hundreds of children who came under her influence, she endeared herself by the gentleness and patience of her methods’. She was succeeded as Headteacher by Miss Mary Clark. At the beginning of the 1930s more space became imperative, so the Board of Education approved the building of a new open air classroom. This new addition was ready in 1933 and a year later the school was praised by the Board of Education: ‘The school is conducted along sound and efficient lines and good results are obtained’. Our educational innovation was again proven in 1935, when a cinema projector was bought for educational and entertainment purposes using funds raised by the children and teaching staff. This was at least twenty years before the spread of television. Quite an educational achievement! In 1936 the Board of Education approved an increase in the total number of pupils that could be taught in the school from 75 to 90. West Kirby School and College has always been groundbreaking and though we are celebrating 100 years of our School and College this year, educational provision began a number of years before 1924. In 1889 the Convalescent Home had its own library. Six years later the 210 children at the Home became members of the ‘Children’s National Guild of Courtesy’ through which they learned about manners and etiquette. Boys • Grey trousers • Grey jumper • Grey knee length socks • Black boots • Old style (1930s) cold weather jacket Girls • Blue school dress • White socks or stockings in the winter • Black shoes • In the summer, floral dresses would be worn by the girls, particularly for special occasions. The uniform included: A former trainee nurse at the Home had very vivid recollections of the School uniforms of the early 1950s. Field Trip.Wales 1980s First Classroom 1901 Science Then 1987... ...and Now Preparing for an Art Exam Did You Know? We were the first officially recognised special school in the UK
21 The 1980s saw the introduction of the National Curriculum and SATs in 1991. They set out what children should be taught, with the aim of ensuring that each pupil was given the same standard of education. The 1990s saw the first Ofsted inspection. This identified areas for improvement and building works commenced in conjunction with this. Staff numbers have grown over the years with around 130 members of staff as of 2024. Our current Principal and CEO Miss Sian Thomas joined in 2019. Miss Thomas took over as Principal in an important time for the school with rapid changes and developments taking place. As a non-maintained special school, West Kirby School and College continues to provide education and support for young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities. Our pupils achieve qualifications including GCSEs, BTECS and at Post 16 AS, A Levels and vocational & life skills qualifications. Today, we also continue to innovate in education. In addition to our thriving Horticulture area, in 2021, our dedicated Animal Care area opened and became a new subject and qualification at our school. Followed by The School Bakery which provides invaluable life skills experience to support vocational Catering & Hospitality qualifications. Clinical & Therapeutic Support Services at our school Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Pastoral Care are recent additions to the school. We also have our own Clinical Psychologist to help support our pupils and families achieve their full potential. Our team have this to say... “We have the privilege of working flexibly, creatively and in new and dynamic ways, guided by the needs and wants of our pupils. We work in a neurodiversity affirming way; this means that we do not view the people that we work with as needing ‘fixing’ but rather we want to support strategies, our understanding of them and anything that we can change to increase their autonomy, participation and quality of life. There are no two moments that are the same in West Kirby School. As a team we are always learning as we journey with our pupils, staff and their families/carers.” Attachment and Trauma Sensitive Schools Award, 2023... “West Kirby School is a beacon of best practice in supporting young people who have experience adversity, to heal, thrive, play and learn. It is not a ‘tick box’ of things to do, but a rich tapestry which is organic and dynamic, responding to the needs of the whole school population.” West Kirby School and College is proud to be a school equipped for the 21st century and beyond. We look forward to the future and seeing our young people thrive. Our recent achievements: • Ofsted - Judged ‘Outstanding’ - 2021, 2016, 2013, 2008 • Residential Provision, Ofsted Outstanding, 2023 • Autism Accredited, National Autistic Society - Advanced Status 2023. • Attachment and Trauma Sensitive Schools, Gold - 2023, Silver status - June 2021, Bronze Status - May 2020 • Autism accredited since 2013, Re-Accredited 2023 - Achieved Advanced Status • Artsmark Gold Award - Re-accredited 2023 • Wellbeing Award - February 2022 • Leading Parent Partnership Award - September 2021 • ADHD Foundation Friendly School Award - November 2019 • Duke of Edinburgh Licensed Hub - Accredited 2018 In the Classroom 1967 Science Lab 1979... ...Science Lab Now Did You Know? We now have 130 members of staff!
How We Play Leisure time and play has always been an important part of life at our school. The first mention of play and leisure in the school records is from an 1889 annual report where mention is made of a school piano that was donated by a generous local lady. A Nursing Record article mentions a patient who was: ‘.. very fond of music and was delighted when he could get anyone to play on the piano for him, so he could sing his favourite hymn ‘O Paradise, O Paradise’ The semi-rural coastal surroundings were a huge factor in the choice of Hoylake and then West Kirby for the Convalescent Home. As well as the sea air, most of the patients had never even seen the countryside. Flower picking was a regular activity and the Nursing Record also tells of another patient (a girl): ‘... who had only one leg, a fragile little shadow, (she) had never seen a green field or even a cow till she came here and her delight was intense’ The festive season has always been celebrated at the Home and School, but Easter was an important occasion too. For instance, three foot high Easter eggs were given out to be shared by pupils. Spring was also often marked with a ‘Humpty Dumpty Week’. During the spring and summer months, visits to the beach were a regular feature of life at the Home. Children would often spend a morning or afternoon at West Kirby or Hoylake Beach. By 1890 the Home had acquired a donkey and cart. This was used to transport the patients for outings to one of the local beaches and to Hilbre Island; places that our young people visit for leisure, recreation and wellbeing. By the late 1880s the Home had also acquired a decommissioned lifeboat, one of three original RNLI vessels to have ‘water expulsion valves’. It was no longer suitable for RNLI purposes, so Alfred Vaughan Paton bought it to use for teaching life saving skills to patients. This lifeboat would be eventually burned in a bonfire to mark VE Day in 1945. A cannon (originally stationed on Hilbre Island from 1842) was also kept on the Home grounds. This may have been originally used to summon lifeboats. The children would often use both for outdoor play. In the early years of the Home, donations of books and toys from the local population were common. But it wasn’t just local people - In 1897 the Home began to engage with the nationwide philanthropic ‘Kyrle Society’. The society’s motto was ‘Bring Beauty Home to the Poor’ and, as well as donating books and toys, provided funds for a painting of the recently built Royden Wing. Adding to the cart and donkey, in 1906 the Home acquired a specially built carriage that could transport fifteen children around the local area. 1925 saw further development of the children’s playground with swings, see-saws and other equipment added. A nurses’ tennis court was also created, ensuring it wasn’t just patients who would benefit from leisure and activity time at the Home. Girls Dancing - Lord Mayor’s Day 1957 The Lifeboat Humpty Dumpty Week 1940 Typical Beach Visit Late 1800s Donkey and Cart for Trips 1890 22
23 Examples of play and leisure in the late 1930s included trips to the West Kirby Cinema, country and beach walks, plus indoor play if the weather was bad. As for staff, they were also catered for e.g. a Hilbre Island resident offered their home to nursing staff for entertainment such as music and dancing. In contrast, nowadays there are regular wellbeing days for staff every term with more extensive activities offered. Play and leisure is still an important part of the daily life of our school. There is an emphasis on providing extra curricular enrichment and leisure activities to extend learning, develop social and emotional skills plus promote pupil and staff mental health and wellbeing. Pupil Wellbeing A Pupil Wellbeing session is an important part of our timetable every Friday afternoon. The focus is for pupils to try activities they find enjoyable and rewarding, alongside learning new skills and promoting social interaction. Enrichment Activities Our school also promotes enrichment activities such as World Book Day celebrations, themed days including STEM Discovery & Arts Days, charity related non-uniform days, school quizzes, sailing and crabbing on the lake, end of term sports days and regular school trips. Some of our pupils even attended a dress rehearsal of the Eurovision Song Contest when it was held in Liverpool! The end of year Talent Show is an important part of our modern school calendar. In 2023 the theme was Eurovision. Modern leisure facilities at school include: a new modern Sports Hall and gym, the MUGA (an outdoor Multi-Use Games Area), an adventure playground and, in keeping with the tradition of the lifeboat that was previously on the school grounds until the end of the war, a decommissioned fire engine has been repurposed as a play area for pupils during break times. Our school encourages regular external inspirational literary and sporting visitors. Recent visitors have included the Olympic athlete Anyika Onuora, Cheshire Phoenix Basketball Club and the Welsh Wheelchair Rugby League team. In fact, wheelchair rugby is a fast growing favourite amongst both pupils and staff. Something that hasn’t changed is how we still enjoy our beautiful local beach on the doorstep. Play continues to be a healthy and important part of a pupils’ experience at our school and will do so for many years to come. • Dungeons and Dragons • Warhammer • Local walks • Boxing • Football • Swimming • Rock climbing • Library time • Horticulture • Horse riding • Animal Care Friday Wellbeing options include: Did You Know? AWellbeing session is an important part of our timetable every Friday afternoon Adventure Playground Enjoying the Beach... Wheelchair Rugby Eurovision Dance Project Setting Sail... Chester Zoo
How We Grow From our earliest days we have grown as a school and engaged with the outside world. This has included the local West Kirby and Hoylake area, Merseyside region, the country and, in more recent times, the world. In 1890 the Home began to open its doors to patients from around the UK. This led to a rapid increase in annual patient numbers from 332 to 372 that year and by 1897 the ‘Liverpool Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children’ and the ‘National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children’ were sending children to the Home for the benefits of its care. By 1902, the number of cots had expanded to 132 and children from all corners of the UK had been admitted to convalesce at the Home. In the late 1900s, whilst most pupils still came from the local area, patients were also coming from Yorkshire, London, Surrey and the Isle of Man. This national reach had expanded even further by the 1930s. An illustrated booklet was also completed by 1935 and distributed to local authorities and subscribers who were encouraged to spread word about the Home. In October 1937, pupils from the Home took part in the ‘International Exhibition of Children’s Handiwork’ being staged in Edinburgh. In total pupils from the Home were awarded ten diplomas from competition at the exhibition. Lord Mayor’s Day Throughout the 1900’s the Lord Mayor would make a special visit, often early summer, known as Lord Mayor Days. The day had the feel of a school fair and was one of the most important days of the Home/School calendar. The Lord Mayor would arrive in their mayoral vehicle to be greeted by representatives of the committees. They would then meet the children who would put on a special performance; sometimes country or maypole dancing or a historical pageant. This tradition carried on until the mid 1980s. Perhaps one day it might return? Royal Visits In 1953 the Coronation of Elizabeth II took place. To mark this event, children at the Home were issued with a commemorative celebration mug, a tin of chocolate and a specially minted coin. This wouldn’t be the last time our school marked a royal occasion as another commemorative mug was created for the 2012 Diamond Jubilee, a tree was planted in the grounds to mark the 2022 Platinum Jubilee and a special school pin was created for the recent 2023 Coronation too. Our school even had a royal visitor as recently as 2011. Prince Edward, then Earl of Wessex, visited our school to officially open our ICT suite in May. Charity Activites Local Community Partnerships 24
25 In recent years our school has continued to rapidly grow and engage with the world. A big part of this has been exchange visits with international schools and trips abroad. In the last 30 years our school has visited France, Italy and Barcelona, as well as visiting schools in South Africa (2009), India and China (2014). Pupils from India and South Africa (2014) have also visited our school in return. Charity and Community Charity is an important part of school life for both pupils and staff and those charities we support. Every year our pupils nominate a local, national and international charity to support. Supporting these involves fundraising events and activities, including RNLI charity events (with a wellie throwing competition in July 2023) and an Elf Run for Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge Hospitals. In 2023 our staff also competed as a Water Aid charity team in the Southport Triathlon. Some of our pupils participate in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. Otherwise known as the ‘DofE’, this encourages young people aged 14-24 with teamwork and social interaction and helps them with their social and career development. 2023 DofE expeditions included camping and outdoor skills in Delamere Forest and Wales. Developing community links is important to us as we grow - from local churches, to partnerships with schools and colleges with our SEND Community Training programme. 2023 community engagement has included hosting an emergency services Blue Light Day in June, a visit from Merseyside Police LGBT+ Network to mark ‘Pride Month’ and a behind the scenes tour of the Royal Liverpool Golf Club as it prepared to host the 151st Open. We also have ongoing further education links with local colleges such as Wirral Metropolitan College and our pupils undertake work experience at local organisations. A recent addition to school life is the Enterprise Market. This end of term event involves pupils making crafts, food and artworks as class groups to be displayed and sold. This is open to families and the local community and encourages our young people to be aspirational, creative and enterprising. The School Bakery Our School Bakery is our newest addition to school and opened to the public in April 2023. It is operated by our Post-16 students and helps them to gain life skills such as baking and barista skills, customer service and business development, alongside their qualifications. The vision involves the bakery as a place that encourages ‘real life experiences’ that prepare our young people for adulthood. “This is a lovely addition to the West Kirby coffee scene” Did You Know? DofE trips included camping and outdoor skills in Delamere Forest and Wales Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Queens Green Canopy Ceremony Planting Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions Charity Fundraising Olympic Visitor Enterprise Market Learning Life Skills
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