The population in the area is stable, and the school sees successive generations of many families. The school is an embedded part of the community, and is particularly successful in its multicultural and citizenship education and PHSE. The school is popular locally and the roll has grown steadily from 850 ten years ago.

Ann's own background was originally nursing, but she retrained to teach science. She first came to the school on teaching practice and became very interested in special needs. When a Learning Support Teacher post became available at the end of the year, she applied, and has been there ever since - 12 years now.

Dyslexic herself, Ann's understanding of her pupils is partly rooted in her own experience. Her medical background also gives her a wider perspective, and the ideas set out in Every Child Matters come naturally to her. In addition to her role as Learning Support Co-ordinator she runs a gardening club in the school where pupils get the chance to look after ducks, ponds and plants, have barbecues and show another side to their personality.  These SEN pupils and others also get the chance to have cooking sessions and participate in activities outside of school.