Putting the ‘oak’ in Oak Wood
A symbolic finishing touch is being made to Nuneaton’s new special school with the planting of a tree.
An English Oak tree is to being planted at Oak Wood Schools in Morris Drive. The primary and secondary special schools, which are on the same site, opened in January, replacing the Griff and Leyland Schools.
The 14ft tree, which is being planted on May 5, is a gift to the school from Warwickshire County Council and will honour the efforts of John Collier.
Formerly the chair of governors at Leyland School, John headed up the shadow governing body for the new schools and saw the building project through.
Once the schools opened he stood down, ending 18 years of involvement with special schools in Nuneaton.
“This tree is going to be something that is a long lasting testament to John’s work and dedication,” said RoseMarie Scott, headteacher of the schools.
“His perseverance and commitment to the project ensured that children have the best possible facilities. John has been a champion for special needs education in Nuneaton and the opening of Oak Wood Schools is a crowning achievement.”
Marion Davis, Strategic Director for Children, Young People and Families, said: “Oak Wood is a fantastic new facility for children in the Nuneaton area with special education needs and being able to plant an oak is the icing on the cake. Members of the community such as John often play an unheralded part in helping large projects come to fruition and I am glad that we are able to recognise the huge contribution he has made in supporting the schools.”
As well as planting the oak tree, the secondary school is also holding a charity fund-raising day. Students in Year 10 are holding a crafts fair, selling bric a brac and running a café to raise money for Cancer Research UK.