KELLY Kershaw and her son Warner Marsden have received endless support from teachers and staff Churchfield Primary School in Cudworth.
Warner, 11, has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome, but with staff’s help, he has spent all his school years at Churchfield.
His mum Kelly, of Foxen Croft, Lundwood, has now nominated the school for a Proud of Barnsley award.
Kelly said she realised Warner was different after meeting with the headteacher to discuss one of his school reports.
She added: “Warner started there in foundation about seven years ago. He’s just leaving now to go up to high school. But during his time there, when he was about seven, we found out he had ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome.
“Staff at school have supported him massively, and not just him - the support they have given me has been amazing. They have managed to keep him in mainstream school.
“I can’t say it’s been just one person, everyone has been fantastic. The headteacher, Yvonne Gray, has been so supportive, I’ve been in her office so many times. Even the receptionist, if she knows we’re having a bad day will have a chat.
Kelly said Warner had had problems with his balance and social awareness, but had been brought on leaps and bounds physically by teacher Jonathan Bean.
Some staff have even been on courses with Kelly to help understand Warner’s condition better.
Kelly said a few years ago, there was an issue with taking Warner to school - he did not like using the school gates and would panic because of the number of people.
She added: “On one occasion he panicked to the extent that I had to take him home and had to phone the school to explain why. They said if it was a problem, someone could meet us outside school and bring him in together. Instead of coming in through the school gate, I would take him to reception so he didn’t get all the hustle and bustle.
“They put little prompts on his table, and let him get his coat first and go back to class. It’s little things like that which have such a massive impact. If it wasn’t for their support, I don’t think he would have picked up. I am so grateful to this school and the people who have helped my boy stay in mainstream school and flourish.”
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