We are delighted that our proposed free school for years 7-11, Brookhaven School, has progressed to the pre-opening phase. The school will cater for pupils with Autism and / or Speech, Language and Communication needs. We are now required to undertake a public consultation.

Brookhaven School will open in a purpose-built school on Parr Lane, Bury, BL9 8LP (Click Here, To View Plans) The planned opening date is January 2024 for the first 30 Key Stage 3 pupils, growing year on year to full capacity of 80.

Vision, Values and Ethos

We believe that all children should have the opportunity to be successful, whatever their starting point. We pledge an unswerving commitment to improve, accelerate and enable ambitious life goals for all young people in our academies. All of our schools aim “To be unique by design, and awesome by outcome”.

Our Central Team is organised to reflect our growth; our priorities; and our increased strength across the Trust. Our growth strategy is based around careful planning to ensure we have the capacity we need to add value to our schools.

We have invested a significant amount of energy into professional development; the Institute of Education and apprenticeships. This drive and dedication will continue, as we believe our people centric approach is the right way to achieve awesome outcomes for all our young people alongside enabling a dedicated, talented and valued workforce.

We believe that every school should feel that every child within the Shaw Education Trust is one of their (and our) children; separated only by location.

‘One size fits one’

Brookhaven School is committed to:

• Provide an outstanding educational experience for students with special educational needs by continually building on the expertise and experience of the staff.

• Provide a welcoming school in a happy and supportive environment for each student where individual achievement, success and the joy of learning is celebrated by staff working as a team for the well-being of all.

• Enabling each student to develop a positive sense of worth and self-esteem by nurturing their skills in vocational and leisure activities to increase their capacity and capability to build bridges overcome barriers and live and work as adults within our society.

• Enabling each student to achieve their full potential by providing a challenging, self motivating and encouraging broad and balanced curriculum that is continuously, thoroughly and systematically assessed encompassing the National Curriculum and external accreditation but tailored to the individual need of each student.

• Creating a caring environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and each individual valued for their own unique talents.

Why does Bury need a new school?

We are developing this as Bury Local Authority is facing a considerable increase in school populations. The scale of school expansions is such that any pupils moving from mainstream to the new school will have no impact on the viability of local schools.

Existing special schools which cater for pupils with needs such as profound and multiple learning difficulties, moderate learning difficulties, severe learning disabilities and physical difficulties have waiting lists for places which are currently occupied by pupils with Autism. Whilst it is hoped that there will be some pupils, currently educated out of borough, who could return to their community this might not be appropriate for all. However, the new school would have the benefit of avoiding the need for children to have to leave the borough due to the lack of early intervention and support.

Admissions Policy

Brookhaven School is a provision for pupils with Autism and/or Speech, Language and Communication difficulties. The curriculum aims to prepare the pupils for happy and successful lives by developing their talents and raising their aspirations. More on this can be found on our website. www.brookhavenschool.org.uk.

The Consultation Process

As part of the process of opening Brookhaven School, the Department for Education require a consultation under Section 10 of the Academies Act 2010. This enables local residents, staff and governors from local schools, parents, councillors, community groups and any other interested parties to share their views.

The consultation period for Brookhaven School runs from 4th October 2023 to 3rd November 2023. This is an important step in our journey to opening in January 2024. We are looking forward to listening to your views in order to provide you with the best school possible.

We are keen to ensure that we deliver a school that meets local needs and requirements and welcome your views. To share these with us please use the contact form at www.brookhavenschool.org.uk/contact or by post to Free School Consultation, Shaw Education Trust, Kidsgrove Secondary School, Gloucester Road, Kidsgrove, ST7 4DL.

 

Please note - this consultation is not related to any building or planning applications surrounding the new school; it is solely to consult on whether appropriate persons support the Trust to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State for Education to run Brookhaven School.