AN inclusion worker from a primary school in Hoyland who spearheaded a new provision for children with autism and complex needs has been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award.

Lindsey Waugh, who works at Hoyland Springwood Primary School, on Clough Fields Road, has helped to launch a separate facility specifically designed for children with complex needs.

The 32-year-old started the project in February, and has continued to push this with the school’s trust – despite school closures.

Now the school has started the new term, ten children have been placed at the new provision – but Lindsey hopes it continues to grow.

“I wanted children with complex needs to have a place tailor made for them so they could learn in a more appropriate way.

“I knew we had an empty building on our school ground and pitched the idea of creating this new provision within the school.

“What started as an idea in February started to spiral, even during the lockdown period.

“We completely redesigned the building creating sensory rooms and life building activities for the children to use.

“Somehow, we managed to get everything in place before our school opened up in September.”

The new SEND building has been tailor-made to accommodate students’ needs including sensory rooms and life-skill activities.

“It was important to make this as inclusive for the children as possible. We wanted to create a curriculum tailored for our pupils rather than the other way around.

“The way the students learn will be completely up to them rather than feeling lost with a curriculum not applicable.

“I would love to see more local students needing additional support to use this facility. I’m proud of our entire team.”

Lindsey’s determination has landed her a nomination in the Exceptional Achievement category at this year’s Proud of Barnsley awards.

“It was incredibly difficult to push forward with the plans throughout the pandemic – but we were all incredibly passionate.

“I’m really happy to be nominated, but this is a recognition of our entire team and our trust who really help make this happen.”