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.

Parent and Carers FAQ

Find out the answers to frequently asked questions by parents, including questions about admissions, studying and the school day.

Attending The Sullivan Centre FAQ

A medical pupil referral unit is an educational setting designed for children who are unable to attend their mainstream school due to their health and medical needs.  The provision is short term, for various reasons all linked to medical and mental health needs.

If your child is struggling to attend mainstream school or is not making progress in their current educational setting, another provision may be worth considering. You can discuss your concerns with your child’s school or medical professionals, and they may be able to provide guidance and support.

A variety of services, such as individualized learning plans, behavioural and emotional support, therapeutic interventions, and vocational training. The specific services offered will depend on the program and your child’s individual needs.

Support your child’s learning by staying involved and informed about the program and their progress. Attend parent/carer-teacher conferences and stay in communication with the staff. Encourage your child to engage with the school and take advantage of any opportunities provided. Provide a supportive and positive learning environment at home.

The education provided at a PRU is tailored to meet the individual needs of each child. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing children to learn at their own pace and focus on their specific interests and abilities. The staff at The Sullivan Centre work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure that children receive the support they need to succeed academically and personally.

Placements at The Sullivan Centre FAQ

The student-to-teacher ratio and class size can impact your child’s learning experience and the level of individual attention they receive. At The Sullivan Centre staff are organised and recruited dependent on each child’s needs and also what is stated in an Education Health and Care Plan.

Extracurricular activities can provide your child with opportunities to explore new interests, develop social skills, and build confidence. The Sullivan Centre offers daily lunch time clubs and opportunities to experience new activities on a Friday afternoon during Enrichment. There are rarely after school clubs as the majority of the students travel by taxi after school.

The Sullivan Centre staff are highly trained and have a SENCO within the staff team. The majority of the students here are placed on an ADPR (Access/Plan/Do/Review) to ensure that each child does not have an undiagnosed SEND need. We work closely with professionals and organise assessments as and when needed.

Effective communication between the school and parents/carers is vital and The Sullivan staff will communicate with you as often as you require. This can be via email, a notebook or a phone call.

The family, The Sullivan Centre staff, all professionals involved with the child and the child’s dual registered school will attend the meeting, this can be in person or virtual.

Attendance, support, progress, professionals and stage of intervention will be discussed. The next review will be booked at this meeting and transition may be discussed.

The Sullivan Centre is a short term medical intervention, after 12 weeks it is expected that a child will be transitioning back to their dual registered school or transition will be beginning to be planned. If a longer placement is needed, medical evidence will need to be obtained to ensure this this intervention is extended.

If your child’s EHCP is due to their medical or mental health needs it may be appropriate for your child to attend The Sullivan Centre in our long stay classroom. This will be organised through a consultation from the SEND team.

We don’t encourage viewings unless we have agreed that we can meet your child’s needs or a placement would be suitable. For further queries please call the school to arrange to talk to a member of The Sullivan staff team.

All children are expected to attend education 100% of the week, if however, this is detrimental to their health/recovery, a medical letter may be obtained to ensure that a more blended approach is put in place for your child.