Friday 13th Feb 2026
A group of neurodivergent children at St Stephen’s Primary School led the assembly to celebrate who they are and to help others understand neurodiversity.
The children confidently shared information about themselves, including their individual strengths and the things they sometimes find difficult.
The goal was to promote understanding, acceptance and pride in difference, while helping pupils and adults better understand how everyone experiences the world in different ways.
Parents were invited to attend the assembly, and we were also pleased to welcome James Frith MP who visited the school to congratulate the brave children on their honesty.
He praised them for speaking so openly and for helping to create a more inclusive and understanding school community.
James Frith, MP for Bury North, said: “It was a real pleasure to visit St Stephen’s and hear directly from pupils about their experiences of neurodiversity and the importance of inclusion.
“The children spoke with confidence and honesty about the challenges they face and the support the school provides to help every child thrive.
“I was also impressed by the thoughtful discussion with the school council on social media and wellbeing. St Stephen’s is clearly a school where pupils are listened to and valued.”
Staff and parents were bursting with pride as they watched pupils.
Mr Ben Smith, SENDCO and the member of staff who organised the assembly, said: “We are incredibly proud of the children for leading this assembly.
“It took confidence and bravery, and it has helped everyone in our school understand neurodiversity better.”
One parent said: “It was such a powerful assembly. The children spoke so clearly about who they are, and it really helped build understanding and empathy.”
The assembly even brought one teacher to tears.
Mrs Isabel Potter, a teacher, said: "They were absolutely incredible. So brave, so confident, so honest.
“Watching them speak so proudly about who they are was completely overwhelming in the best possible way. I won’t pretend it didn’t make me cry. “Seeing children grow up in a world where they can name who they are, love themselves, and celebrate each other’s differences feels huge.
“It gives so much hope for the future and reminds us why inclusive work really matters."
One of the pupils who led the assembly said: "It feels quite powerful that we got to share with the school our different superpowers. It made me feel proud to have Autism."
