Vision, Mission, Values
Vision
Our vision is that all children with exceptional needs receive a meaningful and fulfilling education that enables them to make their own choices about the direction of their adult lives.
Mission
Abbey School exists to provide the best education possible for young people with exceptional needs.
- Every pupil is a unique individual with potential
- Special educational needs and/or disability should not be a barrier to a valued lifestyle
- All children and young people without exception are entitled to access the best education and support available
- Best practices in education are evidence-based
- Teaching and learning decisions should be evidence-driven
- Clear goals make data-based decisions more numerous and effective
- Education is for everyone and for the whole of a person’s life
- Learning is enabling, empowering and extends the boundaries of autonomy
- If a pupil is not learning, it is the teaching that needs to change – the learner is always right
- Pupil voice should be heard and respected
Values
Our whole school approach brings together everything that is known from special education research and best practice to maximise pupil learning and wellbeing. We are an innovative learning organisation. Our day-to-day working practices routinely inform research, evaluation and development. We have a bespoke curriculum, designed by us, specifically to meet the needs of our pupils.
Each pupil’s journey through the curriculum is personalised. Approaches to teaching and learning are individualised, goal-based and precisely assessed. The curriculum is delivered by transdisciplinary teams who benefit from a high level and intensive internal training programme.
Our unique APPs support staff in planning and monitoring each pupil’s learning journey on a moment-to-moment basis. We are centrally located in the heart of the city which provides many opportunities for community-based learning, live skills development and supported work placements as young people get older.
Every decision we make is framed in the context of the Abbey School BAGS model
Belonging and connection
Being part of a community and having a network of valued relationships.
Autonomy and control
Having influence over day-to-day and life defining matters.
Gifts and talent
Doing even better the things that are done really well, and learning to do things that are important but may not be done at all.
Speaking, listening and a sense of self
Communicating effectively in a variety of ways, not just speech, and having an identity that defines who I really want to be.
