About Severndale Academy
Severndale Specialist Academy was established in September 1995 following the reorganisation of provision for children with special educational needs in Shropshire. In September 2008, a large scale development was completed at the site on the Monkmoor Campus. In September 2011 a second provision based at Mary Webb School and Science College opened to cater for secondary aged pupils with moderate learning difficulties. In November 2014 the Futures provision opened in conjunction with Shrewsbury College providing work related learning for the students.
The children and young people are aged 2.5 to 19 and have a range of learning difficulties. These include moderate, severe, complex and profound learning difficulties, those with autism, complex medical conditions and physical and mobility difficulties. A number of the young people present behavioural difficulties arising from their condition; many have communication difficulties.
As in all schools, both the nursery and the reception classes follow the EYFS framework which works towards the Early Learning Goals. The school also use a High/Scope model of active learning through motivating, exciting activities. Children are encouraged to make choices, solve problems, develop independence and have fun! All children benefit from regular input from the speech and language therapist, and children receive physiotherapy and hydrotherapy when appropriate. All groups within the department use the facilities available in school – pool, interactive room, sensory garden and soft play room. Outdoor activities are an important part of the curriculum.
Enabling communication, independence, and enjoyment for life
The vision is to ensure that the needs of all of the young people are ‘truly met’ and that pupils leave Severndale being as independent as they can be and are also ready to access ‘life beyond the school’. The school focuses on developing quality interactions, relationships and supporting positive communication, as well as providing high quality learning experiences in a dynamic, creative, enjoyable and safe environment.
The Learning Community Trust
The Learning Community Trust was established in 2018 and now has 10 schools in Telford and Shropshire across all phases – five primaries, three secondaries (including an all-through) and two special. In that time, it has established an excellent reputation locally and regionally. Each school is individual, has its own distinctive ethos but also highly values being part of the Trust.
Our Trust exists because it has a commitment and passion for providing great schools for its local community. It believes that a locally led and accountable Trust provides the best outcomes for learners and communities, this includes supporting schools facing challenges and ensuring the best schools become even better.
It believes in the importance of and value for local schools to work closely together and have designed the Trust to do just that. The schools are already benefiting from opportunities to have all phases of education working and learning together with the expertise that brings into the Trust.
The absolute focus is to provide the highest quality of education and pastoral care in its schools. The Trust wants its children and young people to thrive, really enjoy school, be safe, understand the importance of respect for others and are well prepared to live fulfilling lives as young adults as they complete their education journey.
Further information is available at www.severndaleacademy.co.uk and www.learningcommunitytrust.co.uk