‘creating an inclusive community for all based on a foundation of ambition, trust, belonging and honesty’
Our aim at Willow Park is very simple: we want to equip every child with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to be successful in their future.
We recognise that for many of our pupils, their experience of education so far been difficult, which is why we think creatively about our approach to learning.
We look beyond any issues and barriers to learning and recognise the innate potential within each pupil. We invest time with each individual pupil to fully understand their learning needs and put the right support package in place.
Our expectations are very high for both behaviour and achievement, because we know we can help children make much more progress than they would within a mainstream school environment.
We pride ourselves on preparing our pupils for the next stage of their lives, not just academically but socially and emotionally. All of our pupils are encouraged to reach high standards in every aspect.
Our staff team are passionate about supporting our pupils, who will benefit from deep and nurturing relationships that will motivate, inspire and push them to succeed in ways they perhaps never thought possible.
Needs and experiences
Our students have Special Educational Needs outlined in their Education and Health Care Plans, the majority of which are rooted in complex or developmental trauma.
This may include adverse childhood experiences (ACES) such as exposure to abuse or neglect, or being placed into care. Many of our students have faced traumatic experiences in other educational settings, for example, being in a setting which cannot meet their needs, facing suspension or exclusion, or frequent changes of setting.
As a result, our students’ Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs may result in impulsive behaviour, difficulty regulation their emotions, period of low mood or mental health conditions, and challenges making and maintaining positive friendships with peers and adults.
Some Willow Park students have had low attendance or periods of absence from school, and therefore may require additional support to address gaps in their learning.
What we provide
Our small and nurturing environment is designed to support students with these needs to feel safe, secure and valued, so that they can flourish.
EHCP
Our curriculum is designed with each child’s needs at their centre: we design learning experiences to meet the needs as outlined in each child’s EHCP. For example our Life Skills Curriculum ensures that each student is prepared with the skills and knowledge they need to live a successful adult life. Our Personal Achievement curriculum encourages our students to explore their personal interests and talents, gives them the opportunity to develop a wide breath of skills, and the confidence to pursue them independently.
Therapeutic
All students benefit from our Universal therapeutic offer; this includes activities to help young people understand and manage their emotions, the use of a Trauma-Informed approach across the school, and therapeutic opportunities such as school breakfast times.
Some of our students may require specific therapeutic support such as psychotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy; where needed, we provide this using our in-house Therapeutic Team.
Academic
We also offer an adapted Academic Curriculum, which includes a range of subjects and may lead to formal qualifications such as Functional Skills or GCSEs, depending on each child’s abilities and needs.
The delivery of our curriculum is highly adapted to suit our students’ needs. This may include 1:1 support, classroom-based sessions and active learning on the school site and surrounding community.
Our Ethos
All pupils at Willow Park School will have access to an education that is personalised and engaging and encompasses a purposeful and balanced curriculum.
Our staff team are passionate about providing a caring, structured learning environment in which all pupils can develop to their full potential.
We recognise the importance of truly understanding each young person as an individual, fostering the development of positive relationships and delivering the most effective support.
We recognise that success can take many forms and looks different for each individual, and it will be regularly celebrated. We have a commitment to high standards and a relentless drive to remove barriers that may have prevented pupils from engaging in education in
the past, developing a community with a shared sense of purpose.