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 Info

  • Each ward has teaching staff who will ensure that education is planned for your child during their stay.
  • Your child’s key teacher will come and see you and your child once they are admitted to see if they are well enough to start accessing their education, and will continue to visit with follow up visits until they are well enough.
  • The teaching staff will ask you to fill out a consent form so we are able to teach your child, and we can find out more about their needs.
  • Each morning the teacher team will visit the ward every morning to let you know what lessons your child will have that day.
  • Lessons take place Monday to Friday between 10-12pm and 1pm-3pm.
  • Lessons will be delivered bed side or in the Hospital School Room.
  • The teaching staff will ask you to complete a review form once your child is leaving hospital to see if we can review the service anyway.
  • We also really appreciate your feedback after your child has been discharged about our service.

Parent feedback:

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

Ofsted

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

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

“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

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

“Staff are successful in developing pupils’ independence.”

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

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

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

Ofsted

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

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

“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

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

Ofsted

“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

“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

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

“Teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding. “

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

“Pupils receive high-quality careers advice.“

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

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

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

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

“Governors provide excellent support and challenge to senior leaders “

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted

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

Ofsted