The Sullivan Centre provides education for children and young people who cannot attend their usual school because of their medical or mental health needs.
A Venn Academy Trust School – Together we will… Venn is a pioneering academy trust, committed to building educational environments where all pupils are inspired to become lifelong learners who achieve the very highest standards possible. Collaborating with all partners, the Trust works with its unique settings to create world class learning experiences for all.

ASDAN Sport and Fitness

Sport holds significant value for children with medical and mental health needs, offering a range of physical, emotional, and social benefits that are particularly crucial for their well-being. At The Sullivan Centre, the integration of sport into the curriculum for all ages reflects a deep understanding of these benefits and their positive impact on students’ lives.

We aim for all studies to be accredited. Students are able to complete the short course in sport and fitness whilst accessing their education at The Sullivan Centre.

The ASDAN Sport and Fitness Short Course is a dynamic and comprehensive program designed to introduce students to various aspects of sports and fitness. This course comprises seven engaging modules, each tailored to provide a holistic understanding of the field:

1. Sports Participation: This module focuses on actively engaging students in a variety of sports activities. It emphasises the importance of regular physical activity for maintaining health and well-being. Students participate in different sports, learning the rules, techniques, and benefits of each, fostering a lifelong appreciation for staying active.

2. Health, Fitness, and Nutrition: Here, students explore the critical relationship between physical fitness, health, and nutrition. They learn about the components of a balanced diet, the significance of hydration, and how to create personal fitness plans. This module helps students understand how proper nutrition and regular exercise contribute to overall health.

3. Researching Sport: This module encourages students to delve into the academic side of sports. They conduct research on various topics, such as the history of sports, influential athletes, and the impact of sports on society. This helps develop their research skills and deepens their understanding of the sports industry.

4. Sport in the Community: Students examine the role of sports within their local communities. This module looks at how sports can bring people together, promote community spirit, and contribute to social cohesion. Students may engage in community sports events and explore the benefits of local sports programs.

5. Coaching and Officiating: Focusing on the leadership aspects of sports, this module introduces students to the fundamentals of coaching and officiating. They learn about the responsibilities and skills required to coach a team or officiate a game, including communication, organisation, and fair play. Practical experience in these roles helps build confidence and leadership skills.

6. The Environment: This module explores the environmental impact of sports and how sporting activities can be conducted sustainably. Students learn about the importance of preserving natural resources and minimising the ecological footprint of sporting events. Topics may include waste management, sustainable practices, and the role of sports organisations in promoting environmental awareness.

7. Working in Sport: Finally, this module provides insights into various career opportunities within the sports industry. Students learn about different roles, such as sports management, physiotherapy, sports journalism, and fitness training. They may have opportunities to meet professionals, visit sports facilities, and understand the skills and qualifications needed for a career in sports.

The ASDAN Sport and Fitness Short Course is designed to be flexible and adaptable, catering to the diverse interests and abilities of students. Through a mix of theoretical learning and practical application, students gain a comprehensive understanding of sports and fitness, equipping them with valuable knowledge and skills for both personal development and potential career pathways in the sports industry.

Each year students partake in a sports day and Trust sporting events. The Sullivan Centre is also supported by a P.E Coach to support teaching and learning.

“Lessons in all subjects and in classes across the school are engaging and motivating.“

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“Extra curricular activities include horse-riding, rock climbing, swimming and cooking.“

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“The enormously positive relationships that exist between pupils and staff are key to the success of the pupils.”

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“Leaders take positive and immediate action should any issues arise to ensure the continuation of the very highquality learning that pupils receive.“

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“Staff are successful in developing pupils’ independence.”

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“Pupils overcome anxieties and, as a result, they are able to access their learning where they can make strong and sustained progress.“

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“Staff receive highquality, regular training to enable them to meet the complex emotional and mental health needs of pupils.“

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“Pupils’ starting points are assessed accurately. This enables teachers to plan highly engaging, motivating and personalised learning opportunities.“

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“Pupils use their knowledge and skills to apply their learning across the curriculum.”

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“Governors provide excellent support and challenge to senior leaders “

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“Staff provide a high level of emotional support when necessary while placing great importance on developing pupils’ independence skills.“

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“Teachers and staff are extremely ambitious for their pupils. They are determined to equip them with skills that will contribute to a happy and fulfilled life. “

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“Pupils receive high-quality careers advice.“

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“The promotion and encouragement of independent learning can be seen in all classes and throughout the school.“

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“Pupils are kind, caring and demonstrate mature levels of empathy to one another.“

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“The curriculum provides pupils with a wide range of opportunities that match the needs and interests of pupils extremely well.“

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“Pupils have opportunities to gain a range of qualifications and accreditations, including English and mathematics at varying levels.“

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“Staff have very high expectations of themselves and their pupils.“

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“Work in books is very well presented and neat. Strong progress can be seen.”

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“The trust uses the management structure of the school well to ensure that they are always informed and up to date with information about the school.“

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“Staff work extremely closely with external agencies and a range of medical professionals to ensure that each pupil receives the best advice and care possible.“

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“The school is exceptionally calm and ordered. Pupils behave very well in lessons and are enthusiastic learners.”

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“The trust is extremely supportive and provides high levels of challenge and guidance to school leaders.“

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“Leaders have ensured that the curriculum includes a wide range of subjects for pupils to study.”

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“The head of school is highly ambitious and determined for all pupils to be the best that they can be.”

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“The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding.”

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“The school’s staff and the inclusion leader are exceptionally skilled in enabling pupils to manage their anxiety so that they can learn in a small classroom environment.”

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“Staff prepare high-quality and bespoke lessons which they use effectively to stimulate pupils’ interest in learning.“

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“Leaders check the quality of teaching and learning regularly.“

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“There is a culture of mutual respect at the school that supports pupils in developing their confidence and optimism for learning.”

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“Pupils enjoy all aspects of the curriculum and quickly go into their classes when they arrive at school.“

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“The vast majority of pupils become confident learners. Their developing ability to form extraordinarily strong relationships with staff and friendships with their peers is evident.”

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“Behaviour during social times and in classrooms is outstanding.“

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“In lessons, pupils quickly become absorbed in the variety of activities that staff design for them.“

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“Leaders provide a wide range of weekly enrichment activities for pupils.“

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“The curriculum strongly supports the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, which is well embedded throughout the school.“

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“Pupils are enthusiastic learners who understand and appreciate the opportunities that the school is providing them with.“

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“Highly effective teaching and assessment systems and strategies are in place which consider specific pupils’ needs.“

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“Teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding. “

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“The school is a calm learning environment where staff encourage pupils to be the best they can be.“

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“Staff plan further bespoke activities for individual pupils who may need support on specific areas of socialising and other life skills.“

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“Pupils are tremendously enthusiastic about learning. Where possible, they can speak at length about what they are learning and what they have already learned. “

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“The coordinator for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities has a high level of knowledge and understanding.“

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“Lessons are calm, ordered and purposeful. This encouraging learning environment has a positive impact on the engagement of pupils.“

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“Leaders provide pupils with high levels of intervention and professional support, which helps them to overcome their complex mental health and medical needs.“

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“Pupils display remarkable levels of empathy for others. They are highly sensitive and tremendously accepting of the needs of other pupils.”

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“Senior leaders’ exemplary work to enhance pupils’ emotional well-being and personal development is highly effective”

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“Staff ensure that pupils who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan make strong progress towards achieving their objectives.“

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“School records show that bullying incidents rarely occur. Pupils and staff agreed with this view when asked.”

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“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the difference it has made to their children.“

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“Teachers and other staff are highly skilled in ensuring that individual pupils’ needs are met in lessons.“

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“Parents appreciate the communication and high levels of practical and emotional support the staff provide for them.“

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“Leaders responsible for inclusion, pastoral care and welfare are inspirational in their dedication, knowledge and actions to support pupils’ emotional health and well-being.“

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“The inclusion lead and other members of staff are available throughout the day to support pupils who are finding things difficult.”

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“At break and lunchtimes, pupils move quietly and sensibly around school. They are occupied during these times by playing physical games with staff or chatting with each other.”

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“Regular opportunities for pupils to work on their social and emotional skills are available. These include one-to-one sessions with specialist practitioners, enhanced life skills and practical social experiences.”

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