I am excited to welcome you to Rowan Wood.

Rowan Wood is a new all through special free school for children and young people aged 4-19 who have been diagnosed with autism and severe language and learning delays, working significantly below age-related expectations.

Rowan Wood is an ambitious, forward thinking, and fully inclusive community which makes learning accessible for all.  Our vision is to support children and young people to become active learners with aspirational targets and high expectations, so that when they leave Rowan Wood they are valued and valuable members of society.  We support our children and young people by removing barriers to learning in safe, supportive environments.  We are family focused and work to create diverse experiences outside home and school in conjunction with extending the school day.

Rowan Wood’s curriculum has been carefully designed to meet the holistic needs of children and young people so that they thrive, are successful and lead fulfilled lives.  Children and young people sit at the heart of the curriculum at all phases, as active learners who develop independence, autonomy, and control.  There is a focus on elements essential for children and young people with autism, including communication, regulation, independence, digital skills, and preparing for adulthood.  As children and young people move into Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5, they will develop their strengths and interests with accredited learning and work opportunities.  The curriculum is organised to ensure that individual learning needs, defined in education health and care plans (EHCPs) and through careful assessment, are prioritized.  Therapeutic provision is integrated into the curriculum using a universal, targeted and specialist model.  Lead therapists are involved in strategic planning to ensure that this is deliverable.  The curriculum is delivered through a range of specialist teaching approaches, designed for children and young people with autism.

We are proud to be part of The Compass Partnership of Schools, an innovative Multi-Academy Trust comprising a mix of fifteen mainstream and special primary and secondary schools.  We are working collaboratively with Willow Dene to ensure that Rowan Wood becomes a great school, thriving at the heart of the community providing a high-quality education for children with SEND and a broad range of services to families.

If you would like to find out more about Rowan Wood, and the exciting journey we have embarked upon, then please contact us to arrange a visit.

Dr Ross Silcock
Headteacher