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.

Graduated Approach to SEND

The Sullivan Centre follows a graduated approach, as advised by the local authority, to meeting special needs that requires the initial use of classroom and school resources before bringing specialist expertise to help with the difficulties that a student is experiencing.

A process of on-going teacher assessments and termly pupil progress meetings with the leadership team identifies those pupils making less than expected progress given their age and individual circumstances. The school’s first response is high quality targeted teaching by the class teacher.

Where progress continues to be less than expected, the class teacher will discuss their concerns with the SENDCO. In deciding whether to make special educational provision, the teacher and SENDCO will consider all of the information gathered from within the school about the pupil’s progress, alongside the views of parents/carers and the pupil.

During this stage, extra teaching or interventions may be put in place as a pupil’s response to such support can help to identify their particular needs.

Throughout this whole process The Sullivan Centre staff will work with the child’s dual registered school.

“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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“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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“Teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding. “

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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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“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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“Staff are successful in developing pupils’ independence.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 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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“Pupils receive high-quality careers advice.“

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

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“Leaders provide a wide range of weekly enrichment activities for 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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“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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“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 have very high expectations of themselves and their pupils.“

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

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

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

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“Governors provide excellent support and challenge to senior leaders “

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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