25/07/2026
We truly believe that with every step, you achieve.
Our school motto isn't just something that looks good on the wall—it's at the heart of everything we do. That's why feedback like this means so much to us as teachers. Knowing we've made a positive difference in a child's learning journey is the greatest reward and inspires us to keep helping every pupil achieve their very best.
Another huge milestone reached today. Her first dance exams with Step by step Academy of Dance
1. Got her there
2. She got changed
3. She allowed me to do her hair
4. She left the waiting room without me
5. She went into the exam room, a different room to the one she learns in
6 She went back in an hour later for the 2nd exam!
She didn't want to take her earrings out, we taped them
She didn't want to take her shorts off, she wore them
She didn't want to wear the number badge given as it was too big, they gave her a smaller one
She didn't want to wear new Ballet shoes, she wore old ones
She didn't want a leotard that fitted, she was given a bigger one
She didn't want to leave her hair in the modern style for Ballet like everyone else, so we changed it.
When the demands are taken away, when she is heard and when reasonable adjustments are made, this kid thrives. She's chosen to go back to dancing, she's chosen to take the exams and she's felt able to rock the world today. It isn't about the exam results, it is about all those little wins we got today.
And I, well, I have some very good friends who have made this monster feel very comfortable in their dance school, it's
not inclusive just because they run classes (which is what activity providers market and often all they offer) they are inclusive as they allow those adjustments to be made so a child with SEN can flourish. Exactly how I ran my dance school and if I still had it, I think I would actually do better now to be more inclusive as I experience the difficulties first hand. Thank you to Claire Mcpherson and Lucy Messenger from the bottom of my heart.
(didn't want any photos, unless Claire took them)
