Leighton Turner

Leighton Turner is the first-ever winner of the Schools Empowerment Award

Transcript

00:00He's an absolute little superstar and he's made massive progress.

00:04Staten's had a few challenges and they are still ongoing where he's seeking lots of support both

00:10from myself, from the safeguarding team, his family and friends. As a young person he has

00:17just overcome so many barriers whether it be his communication and listening skills,

00:22he's grown on, his behaviour, I mean his achievement points within school are just remarkable but

00:28he also knows that he does need to take that responsibility and sometimes if things aren't

00:34going the right way he knows how to handle it and knows that he's not perfect. He is a big fan of

00:40collecting fidgets and so he's got his own box within the school that he's got his fidget toys in

00:46and it's a way of regulating him throughout the school day as well. The school have really adapted

00:51to Leighton and given him that niche support that he needs. As part of it he gets a sticker,

01:00like a sticker reward which he really enjoys and he's dead proud and I know he's told me how he's

01:05shown this to his grandad and his mum and dad and sister and how really proud they are that when

01:11he's in school that he's getting these things. So I'd like to congratulate Leighton on the way that

01:17he's responded to all the support and efforts that have been put in by the school staff working

01:23in jointly with the school police space office and the police service. Leighton is a young man that's

01:29found things difficult in the past but also what he has done, he's got the skills, the attributes,

01:34the resilience, determination to take advice on board, accept the support that's been on offer

01:40and he's turned his prospects around significantly. His attendance has improved, his academic ability

01:46has improved and ultimately also in confidence. Leighton, I'm a very very proud ed teacher today.

01:53I hope that you continue to flourish and grow the way that you have over the last recent months

02:01and congratulations on being nominated for such a worthy award.