DONNA WHITEHEAD

SPRING TERM 2026

MICHAEL MATON-SMITH

Michael is always so happy around school, he asks how others are and always shows a caring nature towards the younger learners.  When helping in class he is always eager to help and is a great friend to others. He is a brilliant role model for his peers and takes on any feedback given to him by  learning and adapting from it.

SUMMER TERM 2026

AUTUMN TERM 2026

SPRING TERM 2025

YAMEN AL-ODAT

Yamen is a sociable young man who is well loved amongst everyone in the school. His progression throughout his time at Kingsdown has been extraordinary, particularly within the last few years following his spinal surgery. Yamen is now able to use a head switch for both communication and to operate cause and effect items. He is clearly communicating through his facial expressions and vocalising his wants and needs. Yamen is an excellent role model for his peers as he is happy and content using all the varied pieces of supportive equipment throughout the school day. Yamen has shown a great sense of humour and a fantastic personality. Yamen also shows his caring side, looking for his peers and ensuring they are receiving a turn during his favourite activities.

SUMMER TERM 2025

ISLA-ROSE CLIFT

Isla Rose has made fantastic progress over her time at Kingsdown School. Her communication skills have improved incredibly , she’s a chatterbox! She is doing a great job with her number and money work, able to count coins in multiples. She works continuously to improve her reading skills and always puts in 100% effort. But most importantly Isla Rose is a supportive and kind friend to all her peers in school. If there is a friend you can rely on, it is her. We are all unbelievably proud of you Isla!

She is always being helpful and considerate of others. She consistently takes the initiative and gets things done without needing to be asked. Isla Rose is always kind, polite, and a pleasure to be around. Additionally, she has always been very helpful and kind when greeting the younger children. She has lovely manners and is always friendly to adults and children.

AUTUMN TERM 2025

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SPRING TERM 2024

ISAAC TYLER

How incredibly he has coped and adapted to the changes in Crocodiles class last year and this term – he deserves a medal!

SUMMER TERM 2024

JAYDEN EMERY

He has shown such maturity when interacting with adults and some of his fellow peers. He has demonstrated a friendly nature around the school. He greets most people and always asks how they are. He has shown that he can regulate himself using given techniques by his class team.​

Jayden has made exceptional progress since arriving at Kingsdown School in 2022. He has made strides in being a great listener in the classroom, co-operating with adult’s instructions, transitions around the school and completing work activities in class. Jayden has made outstanding progress and a well-loved member of Crocodiles class.

AUTUMN TERM 2024

FELICITY CHAMP

Felicity has blossomed throughout her school life. Her kindness and easy- going personality makes her popular with her peers. She is kind, polite, considerate and understanding. Felicity has shown a huge amount of maturity over the past year. She has developed ways to appropriately express her emotions as well as show a brilliant understanding and empathy towards her peers and their needs. Felicity has grown into a very mature young lady dealing with her emotions in a calm manner.                    Felicity is an all round all superstar!

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SPRING TERM 2023

ZACK BETTS

Zack has come on leaps and bounds throughout his journey at Kingsdown School.  Now he is in his final year at Kingsdown he proves everyday what a what a bright young man he is, especially in maths, a subject he feels most confident and excels in.  He has a passion for art, modelling and creating the most amazing board games and story books with illustrations.  He has grown into a more independent, vocal and helpful young man.

SUMMER TERM 2023

FLORENCE BRUTY

Florence has been very accepting of new pupils in her class this year and has begun to independently socialise with peers in her class. Florence now seeks out interactions with other pupils and has even chosen to interact with unfamiliar pupils in a positive and happy manner. She has also developed her ability to use both of her hands on a regular basis and has been exceptional in  exploring her VI stories and sensory activities. Florence’s tolerance of unfamiliar materials has also increased well, and she is more accepting of different textures. Florence succeeds in all areas within the class and her happy smile is a delight to see.

AUTUMN TERM 2023

SOL HAMMOND

For outstanding physical progression. He can ride a bicycle and navigate with precision. He was unable to do this until last year and now he can ride a bike for up to an hour ! He is also a genius with spelling and remembering facts that relate to the world around him.

JACK PETCHEY LEADERS AWARD   2022 – 2023

MAY OAKLEY

For Leading and developing the Papa Piccolo music programme.  May has worked tirelessly to ensure the children have the necessary resources to develop through music.

Spring 2022

AMELIE​

Despite undergoing major surgery Amelie is always keen to try her best in all activities and has adapted to a number of changes. Amelie has adapted to a new class, change in positioning and is developing her eye gaze skills during speech and language sessions. Amelie has shown progress in her engagement with communicating with her peers through switching and vocalisations.

Summer 2022

CARLIE

Carlie has made exceptional progress in her skills to walk independently. On top of this, following receiving a new back brace to improve her posture, she is now also able to walk using her back brace.

Autumn 2022

VINCENT

For remaining calm and sensible at all times around the school and being independent where possible.

 JACK PETCHEY LEADERS AWARD   2021 – 2022

EMMA CLANCY

For Leading Food Therapy Sessions, helping children with feeding difficulties due to sensory integration issues, autism, behavioral problems and other unresolved or undiagnosed needs.

Spring 2021

HARRY 

For great support to Fish class especially with creative writing sessions and his ability to use actions to support the story.

Summer 2021

JEMIMMA

For excellent engagement in class, reading to the class, joining in activities and most of all for engaging in online learning via Teams during the lockdown.

Autumn 2021

BENJAMIN

Benjamin’s confidence has flourished in the past academic year. Benjamin is able to now communicate with adults in full sentences in order to get his needs met. Benjamin’s engagement throughout activities and appropriate responses have been noticed both in the classroom and playground environment.

 JACK PETCHEY LEADERS AWARD   2020 – 2021

KAREN LANGLEY

Karen has gone over and above in promoting inclusion through swimming

SUMMER TERM 2020

Jemias    

He’s always so helpful not only at lunchtimes but whenever he sees Lions Class he is always eager to help and is cheerful. Great job!

AUTUMN TERM 2020

Toby 

He has excelled in the understanding of patience and giving time for others to achieve. He is enthusiastic to learn new skills and works extremely hard to manage himself within school and in the community.

SPRING TERM 2019 WINNER

Amelia won the award for her much improved communication. She is now able to talk clearly with expression.

The £250 is being used towards funding a trip to the theatre for Amelia and her peers.

SUMMER TERM 2019 WINNER

Jay continues to show empathy and understanding towards his peers. Nothing is too much trouble for him. He is particularly kind and caring to the children in an early years class.

Jay and his peers have chosen to take a trip to 360 Play in Basildon, which is not only a fun event but is great for confidence and team building.

AUTUMN TERM 2019

Alfie has captained our football team, displaying amazing sportsmanship, and in particular, mentoring the younger players.  This was something that Alfie himself needed a while ago, and he has not only turned this around, but is a great example to his peers.

Alfie and his peers have decided to spend the award money on some extra footballs, and also two trips: one to the cinema to see Frozen2 in December, and the other to Lazer Tag and sensory room in January.

The Jack Petchey Foundation holds an awards presentation each year for all award winners.

Alex and Tzar were among Jack Petchey Achievement Award winners from across Southend schools to be presented with their medals at a special ceremony held at the Palace Theatre on Monday, 30th April 2018. Unfortunately, Joseph was unable to attend the evening.

The pupils had been voted by their peers and staff for their outstanding achievement and endeavour. Parents and guests were treated to a terrific night celebrating pupils’ achievements and watched them receive their awards from local dignitaries.

Click on photos to enlarge