Spalding Priory School pupils design anniversary mosaic

Pupils at the Priory School in Spalding helped design a large outdoor mosaic to celebrate 50 years of SEND (special educational needs and disability) schooling in England and Wales.

Using a grant from the Mighty Creatives charity and helped by Deeping St Nicholas artist Fiona Gurney and Spalding business Dalehead Foods, the project was overseen by art and design teacher Georgina Freeman.

Pupils came up with ideas for what the artwork should show, Fiona created the piece and Dalehead helped with the work needed to erect it.

As well as the SEND logo and the school’s principles, it includes trees to represent the Forest School element with each tree representing the new class names at The Priory School.

A ribbon across the display represents the journey pupils go on, while shining stars mark pupils who have left and that are an inspiration to the current cohort.

Executive head teacher Matt Bloodworth-Flatt said: “The pupils have really enjoyed this project, the staff too. We would like to say a huge thank you to all the people who donated and/or supported the project, making it possible – The Mighty Creatives, Dalehead Foods, Topps Tiles, Box of Frogs Mosaics, The Rotary Club of Spalding & Welland, Coun Elizabeth Sneath and The Spalding Lions.

"The unveiling today has been wonderful and the mosaic will stand proud for many years to come.”

Teacher Georgina added: “I couldn’t wait to get the pupils involved in this one. Early on in the process, we were lucky enough to enlist Fiona."

Fiona said: “I absolutely love where the school has positioned the mosaic.Just as you come through the school gates, it’s the first thing you see. The colours are great, really striking, the children’s hard work comes through strongly. I really hope it does reflect the ethos of the school and the fun we had making it.”