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Welcome to Epinay

I have had the privilege of being Head Teacher at Epinay Business and Enterprise School since January 2017. I have spent my full working career in special needs schools, a job I find tremendously rewarding. I like to think that I have a lot to offer as a leader in a special school, I have had a number of positions within school including teaching assistant, HLTA, Pastoral Manager, Residential Child Care Officer, Teacher, middle leader, Assistant Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher, Head of School and Head Teacher.

‘Ready to listen, ready to learn together’ is something that we strive to work towards every day, we have worked extremely hard in giving children an enriching and creative education that equips them with the skills and attributes they will need to support them to develop as happy, confident and independent learners who are prepared for adulthood.

Mr Christopher Rue,

Head Teacher

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Latest

Epinay Newsletter – out now !!!

Newsletter March/April 2022

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Epinay Newsletter – out now !!!

Newsletter Jan/Feb 2022

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Independent Travel Training Survey

South Tyneside Council want to make sure that young�

South Tyneside Council want to make sure that young people are able to live as indepe

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Great North Run 2022

Ballot now open If you would like to run for the Friends of

Ballot now open If you would like to run for the Friends of Epinay School, please get in touch – w

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Letter to parents/carers – whole school information

Dear Parent / Carer Whole school information I would like to

Dear Parent / Carer Whole school information I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all p

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Useful Christmas Information

Useful information around Christmas to help families.

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Testimonials

When my son goes to the park, he feels misunderstood and other children laugh at him but at school everyone understands him in school, we are all a big happy family

Parent/Carer

We're bursting with pride. My daughter has come along way and with Epinay's support, she's shining. Thank you again to Mr Rue and all the fabulous staff who support her.

Parent/Carer

Absolutely love seeing how happy my son has been since joining the school in September 2019, I feel like I’ve got a new child. Thank you.

Parent/Carer

An amazing journey so far. From an emotional none verbal frustrated none sociable little girl to an amazing chatter box controllable inquisitive curious friendly lovable growing little princess. All areas of being at Epinay school has meant the world to us all.

Parent/Carer

My daughter loved her first year in Epinay. Making loads of new friends and getting two Head Teacher awards, as well as helping raise funds for the school. She also loved Flamingoland and starting in the choir, her favourite lesson is cooking.

Parent/Carer

Billy from Relationship Works has really helped me with my anger issues. I do still get angry but the sessions with Billy really helped me understand and use techniques to help calm myself.

Year 8 Pupil

My sessions with Billy from Relationship Works helped me understand my feelings and how anger affects me. I am more aware of what the consequences could be for my actions if I lose my temper.

Year 10 Pupil

I feel the sessional work with Billy from Relationship Works has supported me to manage my anger. It has really helped. I feel a lot more calm and more in control of my emotions now.

Year 10 Pupil

Following the referral to Healthy Minds I have been able to talk through my anxieties and have been given strategies to help me manage my feelings. Before a referral was submitted to social services, relationships at home between me and my family were very difficult. I now have a happy settled family life and I know I can always speak to staff in school if I require support.

Year 13 Pupil

I am so glad I attend a school where the head teacher understands diversity. In any other school I would never have received the support and advice I have been given in Epinay School to help me explore and address my gender issues. I feel the information that has been provided has given me an informed choice for the future. I am so grateful for the support I receive and continue to receive from school and external agencies.

Year 10 Pupil

The school has a zero bullying policy and I know all schools do. I've witnessed bullying being covered up in lots of schools (mainstream) but I can say beyond any reasonable doubt and in total honesty Epinay has ZERO bullying which stems from the headteacher all the way down to teachers and assistants.

Parent/Carer Year 7 Pupil

96% of parents/carers reported on Ofsted Parent View that their child felt safe.

Ofsted Parent View

Nothing is ever an issue, Mrs Murphy will always offer me and my family support. We have tackled some difficult things together but she always listens and signposts me to the best place.

Parent/Carer Year 11 Pupil

The impact of the support they have received from mental health services and Human Kind.Support was offered from school and a referral was submitted to Healthy Minds to support our son with his low self-esteem and anxieties. This intervention was beneficial and offered support to explore his emotions and feelings and promote wellbeing.Over the past few months we have experienced a lot of issues and would not have been able to get through it without the support of the school. We were struggling due to lack of knowledge of services that were available to support us. We were given lots of information and signposted to relevant agencies. I know I can contact school at any time for support.

Parent/Carer Year 10 Pupil

Mrs Jopling (MAKW) has helped my son manage lots of difficult emotions after the death of my dad, his grandad. She has referred him for bereavement therapy.

Parent/Carer Year 6 Pupil

Safeguarding training is outstanding and updated throughout the year. Any issues or concerns are dealt with immediately and handled appropriately. Staff are informed of actions, concerns and general feedback quickly and precisely. We are fully aware of the processes of recording and documenting information into the diary. Any issues are raised quickly to all staff.

Staff Member

I feel safeguarding concerns within Epinay are dealt with very professionally and sensitively with everyone involved. The protocol to adhere to is very clear and the training always helps as a reminder of what the expectations are.

Staff Member

I think safeguarding is very robustly managed. Concerns are dealt with swiftly and efficiently, the recording process is efficient. And my training is sufficient enough to allow me to feel comfortable with all aspects of safeguarding in teaching.

Staff Member

The safeguarding training has been effective in reminding us of the importance of monitoring and recording.

Staff Member

In school, safeguarding is tackled quickly and efficiently, staff thoughts and feelings are taken into consideration and the actions are followed up swiftly, I am sure parents and carers appreciate this too.

Staff Member

My son has settled so well into Epinay and is very happy going to school.

Parent/Carer

I've seen such a huge difference in my son since he started at Epinay. Thank you to all of the staff.

Parent/Carer

I can say beyond any reasonable doubt and in total honesty that Epinay has zero bullying

Parent/Carer

Thank you for putting the fire back in my child, she now loves coming to school and is excited to come in daily, we are truly grateful to you all.

Parent/Carer

I cannot stress enough how highly I think of the school and staff.

Parent/Carer

The transition was easy and stress free

Parent/Carer

I used to have to get my daughter dressed int he car because she refused to go to school. Now she is ready at least an hour before the bus comes.

Parent/Carer