A SEND school's innovative approach to rescuing animals and combining them with academic studies has been nominated for an award.

Gloverspiece Minifarm has been based in Salwarpe, Droitwich for the past six years and has been put forward for the Special Education Needs (SEND) Award.

The school, which looks after students from ages eight to sixteen, was nominated by Rachel Hackett.

She said: "They provide excellent education and care for each student.

"Gloverspiece is a fantastic school that applies the most wonderful nurture approach to students and staff.

"It continues to provide animal care to a range of rescued farm animals.

"These farm animals also provide an amazing nurturing space for our SEN students. 

"I believe Gloverspiece Minifarm is an amazing school for all students to grow and to become themselves.

"I have personally seen students change drastically, and it is wonderful."

Lynn Duffy, headteacher, said she was very excited to hear about the school's nomination.

"We provide a therapeutic setting for education through animals, yoga and music intertwined with academic studies.

"We treat each child as an individual and match their timetable to them, so no student has the same timetable.

"Children can feel empathy with animals.

"Those animals have come from a difficult background and our children feel like they can help the animals, help them thrive and have a better life.

"It is always gratifying when someone thinks you have done a great job.

"We provide a nurturing environment for our pupils, and the six principles of neutering are at the heart of what we do."

The Worcestershire Education Awards, in partnership with the University of Worcester, has 12 categories and runs across all of our Worcestershire titles – the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette, Evesham Journal, Bromsgrove & Droitwich Advertiser, Redditch Advertiser and Kidderminster Shuttle.

The closing date for nominations is Monday, February 13.

The awards will culminate in a black-tie event on Thursday, April 20, at 7pm at the Abbey Hotel, Great Malvern.

Nominations take just a few minutes. To nominate someone, click here.