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.

Enrichment

Enrichment activities are an essential part of our well-rounded education, providing students with opportunities to explore new interests, develop new skills, and broaden their horizons. At The Sullivan Centre, we understand the importance of enrichment and how it can benefit our students in many ways. Enrichment happens throughout the week enhancing the curriculum offer, but is also a planned curriculum activity; taking place every Friday afternoon.

Trying new activities on and offsite is a crucial aspect of enrichment, as it encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and challenge themselves. Whether it’s learning a new sport, trying a new craft, or exploring a new place, these experiences help students develop their confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills.

Participating in enrichment activities also provides students with a range of skills that they can use in various areas of their lives. For example, working together in a group helps students develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. Mixing with new friends enables them to build new relationships and understand different perspectives, while exercising promotes physical health and wellbeing.

Enrichment activities are not just about learning new skills, but also about having fun and enjoying oneself. By providing a range of options for students to choose from, we aim to foster a sense of excitement and anticipation for the Friday afternoon enrichment session, which becomes a highlight of the week for many of our students.

Enrichment activities also offer opportunities for visitors to come into the school, exposing students to a variety of people from different backgrounds and professions. This exposure can help broaden students’ perspectives, inspire them to pursue new interests or careers, and develop their social and emotional intelligence.

Finally, enrichment activities can have a significant impact on students’ social, emotional, and mental health. By participating in activities that they enjoy and find rewarding, students can develop a sense of purpose, belonging, and self-confidence. They also learn how to manage stress, cope with challenges, and build resilience, all of which are crucial life skills.

Enrichment opportunities happen at least every Friday afternoon and are thoroughly enjoyed by all our students. Some recent examples are:

  • Boxing
  • Gardening
  • Cooking
  • Circus skills
  • Puffin Trail
  • Golf
  • Museum visits
  • Ice Skating
  • Horse riding

Pupil voice is an integral part of organising and planning Enrichment.

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

Ofsted

“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.“

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

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

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

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

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

“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.”

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

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

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

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

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

Ofsted

“Teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding. “

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

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“Pupils receive high-quality careers advice.“

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

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

“Governors provide excellent support and challenge to senior leaders “

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

“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. “

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

“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.”

Ofsted

“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.”

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

“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.”

Ofsted

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

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

Ofsted

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

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

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“Staff are successful in developing pupils’ independence.”

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

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