PUPILS at a primary school’s specialist setting for children with physical disabilities are among the first in the country to take part in a new awards scheme.
The Young Achievers Award is a national project designed to help children aged from ten to 13 build independence, confidence and a sense of community responsibility.
Children at the resource base at Emersons Green Primary School have been taking part, led by teacher Charlotte Hawker.
The resource base is one of only six settings in the UK which supports children with physical disabilities or visual impairment to study within a mainstream school.
Charlotte has adapted activities so that every child can take part and succeed in the awards, working with Victa, a national charity supporting children and young adults who are blind or partially sighted, and their families.
Their first award focussed on the community.
Pupils took part in hands-on projects focused on kindness, teamwork and giving back, including potting houseplants to donate to people who use the nearby Resound Foodbank.
Pupils also made their own play dough, measuring and mixing the ingredients themselves before giving it to Mangotsfield Pre-School, which is based on the school grounds.
The children from the resource base then visited the pre-school to explain how they made the dough and answer questions, which also helped to build their confidence and communication skills.
Children worked together to make peppermint creams and tactile thank-you cards for family members or friends as part of a section acts of gratitude, and discussed how people can show appreciation in everyday life.
The theme continued with a ‘kindness bingo’ challenge, where pupils chose and recorded acts of kindness such as holding doors open, writing kind notes or helping others.
Executive head teacher Simon Botten said: “Through completing these activities, the four pupils earned their Young Achievers community badges, marking a proud moment for both the children and staff.
“The initiative reflects Emersons Green Primary School Resource Base’s commitment to supporting pupils’ personal development alongside academic learning, ensuring they are prepared for life beyond the classroom.
“In 2026 the Young Achievers hope to gain their next three awards – the science, nature and create badges, to become full Young Achievers and inspire the next group!”
