Chris Silver is retiring as Headteacher at the Menphys Centre, Wigston, after 11 years. During that time she has overseen the building of a new autism classroom, a soft play room and the development of an inclusive outside play area.

She has made a significant contribution to the Wigston Development Group and the Leicestershire Special School Head’s meetings. She is involved in outreach work for the Local Authority and supports many early years settings in the surrounding area.

Chris’s work for early years settings includes running SENCO Network meetings and delivering training. She is currently involved in a Quality Improvement Programme which aims to improve standards in meeting the needs of children with complex SEN and disabilities.

Chris Silver (front) with trustee Vicky Heath, co-worker Jenny Barrett, Menphys chairman Peter Smith, executive director Peter Coopey, former trustee Clifford Della-Porta and trustee Wyn Rees

Chris supports colleagues in other services (particularly the Early Years SEN Inclusion Service) meeting the needs of the most vulnerable children in the community.
Not only does Chris share her expertise with settings, but she has delivered training on safeguarding to teams within the Specialist Teaching Services. She also supports a panel which allocates funding to increase staffing levels in settings including children with most complex needs.

Chris has actively encouraged and developed the skills of her staff who undertake outreach work, visiting and teaching children in their homes and settings.

In addition to all this, Chris has overseen a summer playscheme for the past 9 years and in 2007 she led the Menphys Centre through a successful Ofsted inspection which states ‘The quality and standards of the nursery education are outstanding.’

Chris has made a huge contribution to the work of special needs children and her expertise will be greatly missed by professionals and parents alike. Chris has lots of exciting plans for her retirement and we wish her all the very best for the future.

Among those plans are her intentions to continue spreading her expertise as an Associate Lecturer with the Open University.

She also intends to spend more time sailing her boat on Draycote Water. She is looking forward to being at Weymouth to see some of the Olympic sailing action.

Chairman of the Menphys trustees Peter Smith MBE paid tribute to Chris during a lunch at the Navigation Inn at Kilby Bridge also attended by Jenny Barrett, who has been job-sharing with Chris over recent months.Jenny, too, has quite a lot to look forward to… she is getting married on December 23.

The trustees thanked them and wish them both happy and healthy futures.

If you would like to add your comments, please e-mail Peter Coopey