Rationale for The Willows - Specialist Provision at Brookside Academy
At Brookside Academy, we believe that all children deserve access to a curriculum that is broad, bespoke, and responsive to their individual needs. The Willows, our 55-place Specialist Provision for children aged 5 to 11 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), is a vital part of our inclusive school community. It sits alongside our Nursery and Mainstream provision (0–11), creating a unique environment where specialist and mainstream education work in harmony to support every child’s development.
We recognise that for some families particularly those whose children are non-verbal, physically impaired, or have profound and multiple learning difficulties certain aspects of school life may feel daunting or even impossible. At Brookside, we approach this with deep understanding and respect. Our commitment is to meet each child where they are, and to work in partnership with families to build pathways that are meaningful, achievable, and aspirational.
Our curriculum is not only designed to meet individual needs, but to celebrate each child’s strengths and potential. It is rooted in communication, engagement, and holistic development, with EHCP targets at its core. We aim to create a learning journey that is inclusive, empowering, and tailored to each child’s unique profile.
All aspects of school life at Brookside are designed to improve and engage pupils through a mix of curriculum learning, holistic approaches, and essential life skills. Communication and engagement are fundamental to our ethos and underpin every aspect of our teaching and support. Our curriculum is built around each child’s EHCP targets, ensuring that learning is meaningful, personalised, and developed in partnership with families and professionals.
Class-Based Provision with Inclusive Opportunities
Children in The Willows are placed in small, structured classes with a dedicated teacher and a high ratio of support staff. These placements provide consistency, safety, and a nurturing environment tailored to each child’s needs.
While each child’s learning is rooted in their specialist class, Brookside’s integrated setting offers rich opportunities for inclusion where this is appropriate:
- Whole-school events and celebrations
- Playtimes and lunchtimes (tailored to sensory needs)
- Shared learning sessions
- Outdoor learning and Forest School
- Assemblies and performances
- Peer mentoring and buddy systems
- Shared enrichment activities
- Informal interactions in shared spaces
These everyday moments offer powerful opportunities for social development, communication, and life skills. They are important to everyone within the school community and allow growth beyond what can normally be offered within a school setting.