We are delighted to have provided Makaton Level 1 training for parents and carers, further strengthening the communication support available to our pupils both at school and at home. We are fortunate that The Brier School has two qualified Makaton Tutors, enabling us to offer high-quality training and develop communication skills across our wider school community. By increasing the number of people who can confidently use Makaton, we are creating more consistent communication opportunities for our pupils, supporting them to express themselves, understand others and achieve their full potential. We look forward to offering further training opportunities throughout this academic year, enabling parents, carers and staff to continue their Makaton journey and progress through the next levels of accreditation.​

At Brier School, wellbeing is more than just a concept, it's an integral part of what it means to experience the "Brierising" journey. The school has been successful in re-securing the Wellbeing Award for another three years, a testament to its dedication to emotional wellbeing and mental health as collective responsibilities within the school community.

 

Leadership at Brier School takes clear accountability for wellbeing, safeguarding, and personal development, ensuring these values permeate the entire school environment. A recent visit by a verifier highlighted approximately 30 high-quality interactions between staff and students, underscoring the strong relationships fostered at the school.

 

Staff at Brier School are praised for their ability to adapt skillfully to meet the individual needs of pupils, which positively impacts student regulation, wellbeing, and achievement. The sense of community is palpable, with the school describing itself as "one family."

 

Robust systems are in place to identify, monitor, and support the emotional wellbeing and mental health needs of students. Effective partnerships with families, local authorities, and specialist services ensure students receive the support they need. The school's emphasis on total communication approaches significantly contributes to student wellbeing.

 

Parent feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the school as "beyond amazing" for its support of both children and families. The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has also been recognized for raising substantial funds, including efforts that supported the refurbishment of the school library.

 

Brier School has made remarkable strides in engaging with vulnerable and hard-to-reach families. Its premises are maintained to exceptionally high standards, with creative use of space resulting in effective reading and breakout areas for students. The newly opened Unicorn Satellite Centre is another valuable resource for students with complex needs.

 

Staff actively support and champion each other through initiatives such as Staff Shout Outs, and wellbeing First Aid Boxes provide thoughtful sensory support for students. Both pupil and staff wellbeing are regarded as genuine priorities, supported by strong peer-support systems.

 

The school has also received recognition for its innovative workforce development, partnering with trainee teachers, nursing students, and speech and language professionals. Outreach initiatives focused on oral health exemplify how Brier School shares its expertise to benefit the wider community.

 

The impact of Brier's approach to wellbeing is profound, resonating with pupils, staff, families, and the broader community. Values of care, support, and kindness are evident throughout the school's relationships, and its inclusivity extends beyond pupils to families and the wider community.

 

The verifier's final comment celebrates the school's achievement: "I am absolutely delighted to share that Brier School has once again been successful in re-securing the Wellbeing Award for a further three years. Very well done!"

Thank you to all the parents and families who attended our Macmillan Coffee Afternoon. It was lovely to see so many of you there supporting such a worthwhile cause. Your generosity and support helped make the event a wonderful success, and we are very grateful for your continued support of our school community.

Congratulations to one of our Boccia teams for getting into the Black Country School Games Finals, where they competed against other schools from Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton. All students worked incredibly hard, supported one another and demonstrated great skill. We are very proud of the way they represented our school. 

Congratulations to our Year 11 students on successfully completing their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. During the experience, pupils demonstrated resilience, teamwork and independence as they camped overnight in tents, took part in orienteering activities and completed different walks. They got the chance to prepare and cook their own meals, developing valuable life skills along the way. The expedition was a fantastic experience, and the pupils should be very proud of their achievement. 

Sports Day 2026 was a fantastic success and enjoyed by all who took part. The pupils showed great enthusiasm, determination and team spirit throughout the day, taking part in a range of exciting events. It was wonderful to see so many parents and family members supporting the children and participating in the activities with them.

Congratulations to our KS2 football team for coming 3^rd overall in the SEND Schools Football League at Aston Villa Foundation! The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to compete against other schools and represented The Brier brilliantly. They demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork and determination at every event. We are all incredibly proud of their achievements! 

Join us for the opening of our brand new school library!!