About us
Epinay School is a school which caters for up to 225 children and young people from 4–18 years of age with a wide range of special educational and complex needs.
The school caters for children and young people with significant learning difficulties and/or diagnosed learning disabilities who are working at a level of 3-4 years behind their peers and have limited ability to listen, process information, think, read, write, spell or do mathematical calculations effectively.
In addition to their learning needs, the children and young people may have some social vulnerability as well as some difficulties with their functional skills, speech and language communication needs and a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Condition.
The school has some children who have anxiety and mental health difficulties and require additional support to meet their emotional needs, however, they do not present with disruptive behaviours.
A small number of our children have a severe learning difficulty (SLD) and/or disability, which means that they find it difficult to understand, learn and remember new skills. These students have problems with both the acquisition of skills and their application to new situations and possible sensory issues or poor coordination.
As a school we create a safe and inclusive centre of excellence by providing a stimulating environment where learners achieve challenging and inspirational targets in order to develop as happy, confident and independent learners who are prepared for adulthood.
Main cohort groups
Phase 1
Phase 1 objectives set – this phase has classes that each work on different objectives, they stay in each class until the majority of objectives have been achieved before moving to the next class. Children stay in phase 1 until the majority of objectives are met, then they move on to Phase 2
Phase 2
Phase 2 objectives set – children stay here until objectives are met or they are ready to move into Phase 3.
Phase 3
Phase 3 classes objectives set- they stay here until objectives are met or they enter year 10.
Phase 4
Classes – Individualised qualification based routes.
Students in Phase 4 and 5 access a range of qualifications including Entry Level Certificates, Btec awards, NOCN qualifications, City & Guilds qualifications and Level 1 and 2 awards and certificate. We offer a wide range (both in choice of subjects and qualification) in order to ensure all pupils achieve to the best of their ability. Our Ofsted reports of 2012, 2018 and 2023 all awarded us outstanding for achievement.
Specialist provision groups
- Phase 2 and 3 Life Skills hub – children follow a life skills curriculum and transition to Life Skills groups in phase 4.
- Phase 4 Life Skills class – children follow a life skills curriculum during the morning and access option choices in line with the rest of the rest of phase 4 in the afternoon, generally these students transition to Life Skills groups in phase 5.
- 16-18 provision caters for students transitioning from Phase 4 from either the main cohort groups or life skills provision, other places can be given to external students from around the borough.
- The school has close links with professionals, including Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Community Nurses, Sexual Health Workers, Pediatricians, Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists and Youth Support Workers. Where appropriate and necessary other professionals may be involved.
- We are unique in having our own community café where pupils can access NVQ training if appropriate or vocational NOCN qualifications in this area.
- We are more than happy for visitors to come to our school. If you would like to visit, please contact Sandra Stephenson, Head Teacher’s PA, on 0191 489 8949
Our School Vision
To create a safe and inclusive centre of excellence by providing a stimulating environment where learners achieve challenging and inspirational targets in order to develop as happy, confident and independent learners who are prepared for adulthood.
Our School Ethos and Values
- We provide equality of opportunity to all in our school.
- We deliver a broad, needs driven creative curriculum.
- We pursue opportunities for personal development and links in the wider community.
Our Code of Ethics
The culture of our school is based on the principles of dialogue, inclusion, tolerance, mutual respect, trust and confidentiality. All communication between staff, students and parents will be characterised by courtesy and good manners and will be non judgemental. Partnership, working together and celebrating equality and our diverse cultures, are at the heart of our school community.
At Epinay School, we are committed to providing both care and education for our students. Staff will demonstrate consideration and respect both for their students and their families. Students’ and parents’ rights to voice opinions will be recognised and staff will work with students and families to deal with any educational, social, emotional or safeguarding concerns.
Epinay School firmly believes in creating a trusting relationship where both school and families act together to benefit children and young people. We strive to develop sustained parental relationships to achieve positive outcomes for all children and young people.
The commitment which members of staff make to continually improve the learning process and experience will be recognised by students and parents through adopting an active role in their own learning and their child’s learning. As a school, when dealing with difficult and sensitive situations we will seek to resolve problems by mediation, respecting the feelings of all involved. The school will continue to develop and expand its existing positive links within the local community and will celebrate its achievements and reputation both regionally and nationally.
Our School Mission
- To equip each learner with necessary concepts, attitudes, skills and knowledge to create happy, confident and independent learners who are prepared for adulthood.
- To have high expectations of ourselves and each other.
- To provide high quality teaching to stimulate learning.
- To enhance learning by offering personal development and real life experiences
