HONESTY
EMPATHY
ASPIRATION
RESPECT
TEAMWORK
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welcome TO PETHERTON PARK SCHOOL

I am very proud to be able to welcome you to our Petherton Park website. As Headteacher, my role, along with the wider school team, is to support our Pupils in overcoming barriers and thriving within a school environment tailored to meet their individual needs.

We are an independent co-educational specialist provision, and we support up to 20 Pupils aged 8-16 that have social, emotional and mental health difficulties, autism and associated challenges that impact their ability to learn. The team are trained to deliver a therapeutic approach and understand the needs of the Pupils we support, creating a nurturing environment, where each individual’s education is tailored to help them achieve their best possible outcomes.

The Pupils are the centre of everything that we do, and we know that they all have the capacity to achieve academically, vocationally, socially and emotionally, when we provide the right safe and nurturing environment.

Through promoting equality, we recognise individual differences and celebrate diversity. We provide bespoke packages of support and education to meet the specific needs of each individual child or young person. Working towards our Pupils’ agreed EHCP objectives, our core approach seeks to empower Pupils to want to learn and develop a toolkit of skills to aid them in later life. Alongside this, Pupils can achieve nationally recognised qualifications, develop key skills, strengths and resilience, thus promoting personal wellbeing and a secure future.

As part of the Phoenix Learning & Care group, Petherton Park School embodies the values of Honesty, Empathy, Aspiration, Respect and Teamwork; This is of course easy to say, and whilst the website provides a snapshot of what our school can offer, you are more than welcome to get in touch to arrange a visit, and come see for yourself what day to day life is like at Petherton Park School.

Having looked at the website, please get in contact if you have further questions, and we will be happy to help.

Beccy Wainwright
Headteacher

TAKE THE TOUR

DELIVERING OUR VALUES

At Petherton Park School, the individual needs of our Pupils are at the heart of all that we do.

We work closely with our Pupils, their families and professionals to create bespoke programmes of learning, which are tailored to their education, social and emotional needs, supporting them to achieve their full potential. This means that we deliver a personalised curriculum, which, where possible, acknowledges the national curriculum and meets the individual needs of our Pupils, whilst also supporting them to meet the outcomes identified in their EHCPs.

To achieve this, every Pupil has an individual Pathway Plan and Provision Map which identifies their areas of need and how we can best address them, both in terms of Team Member approach and the curriculum that they are provided.  Our goal is to provide access to the best academic outcomes possible as well as preparing our Pupils for adulthood and the next stage of their education by equipping them with the skills required to achieve personal success.

GALLERY

OUR CORE OFFER

Petherton Park School supports Pupils between the ages of 8 and 16 who have difficulties with their emotional, social and mental health, as well as other complex needs often associated with Autism, attachment & Trauma disorders.

At Petherton Park School we aim to provide a caring learning environment where Pupils can experience positive learning opportunities that will enable them to develop their full potential socially, emotionally, academically and physically. We aim for our Pupils to develop their feelings of self-worth, grow intellectually, build positive relationships and develop their life and social skills in order that they will become happy, confident and valued members of society.

Our therapeutic core offer

We have high expectations for every Pupil and believe that all Pupils can achieve, thrive and succeed when provided with the right support.

Our aim is to provide a safe, nurturing and positive learning environment where Pupils feel valued, understood and able to learn effectively. Through a personalised approach, we support Pupils to develop academically, socially and emotionally whilst building confidence, resilience and independence.

We offer a broad and balanced curriculum alongside a wide range of enrichment opportunities that enable Pupils to discover new interests, develop skills and experience success. Pupils are supported to work towards appropriate qualifications, accreditations and recognised outcomes that reflect their individual abilities, interests and future aspirations. We work closely with Parents, Carers and professionals to ensure that every Pupil receives consistent support and is well prepared for future education, employment and adult life.

As a specialist provision for Pupils with complex SEND needs, we deliver bespoke educational and therapeutic programmes tailored to each individual.

Our curriculum is adapted to meet the needs of our Pupils, ensuring barriers to learning can be identified and addressed. As an attachment and trauma aware school, we recognise that all behaviour is communication and seek to understand the needs that sit behind it.

What truly sets us apart is our integrated therapeutic approach. Our on-site Integrated Therapies Team works closely with Leaders, Teachers and Pupils to ensure therapeutic support is embedded throughout the school day. Rather than being separate from education, therapy forms part of everyday school life, helping Pupils develop the skills they need to regulate emotions, build relationships and engage successfully in learning.

We also maintain strong partnerships with families, local authorities and external professionals to provide joined-up support throughout a Pupil's school journey and during key periods of transition.

Every Pupil benefits from a personalised package of education, therapeutic support and intervention designed around their individual strengths, needs and aspirations.

  • Small class sizes with additional support where required.
  • Bespoke learning programmes including targeted literacy and numeracy interventions
  • Specialist differentiated teaching.
  • GCSE, Functional Skills,  and other accreditation pathways.
  • Weekly enrichment, outdoor learning and self-esteem building activities.
  • Rigorous academic and developmental progress tracking.
  • Regular reviews with Parents and Carers to discuss progress and agree targets.

We believe that every Pupil has the right to therapeutic support alongside their education. We recognise that the two are not mutually exclusive, which is why our on-site Integrated Therapies Team (ITT) works closely with Leaders, Teachers and Pupils to ensure therapeutic support is embedded throughout the school day.

Therapeutic support is an integral part of each Pupil's individual education programme and is designed to meet their social, emotional, behavioural and communication needs. Through assessment, observation, interaction and information gathering, we develop personalised therapeutic approaches that enable Pupils to grow, develop and engage successfully in learning.

Pupils may access:

  • Creative Arts Therapy
  • Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT)
  • Occupational Therapy (OT)
  • Individual therapeutic interventions
  • Group-based therapeutic programmes

Our therapeutic provision is clinically driven and tailored to individual need. Support may include direct therapeutic intervention, such as one-to-one sessions with a Therapist, alongside indirect therapeutic programmes and strategies delivered throughout the school day. Interventions may be time-limited or ongoing, depending on need and regular clinical review.

The Integrated Therapies Team also provides:

  • Consultation and guidance for Teachers and Team Members.
  • Support with EHCP reviews and multi-agency meetings.
  • Behaviour and emotional regulation strategies.
  • Risk management and safeguarding consultation.
  • Classroom observations and feedback.
  • Sensory environment recommendations.
  • Communication-friendly environment support.
  • Support for education teams in delivering therapeutic approaches and programmes, such as Zones of Regulation.
  • Training, modelling and reflective practice for Team Members.

Our therapeutic model is grounded in attachment-aware and trauma-informed practice. We believe that positive outcomes are achieved when the whole environment supports a Pupil's growth and development. By working collaboratively with education teams, families and professionals, we create a nurturing environment where Pupils feel safe, understood and supported to flourish.

REFERRALS & ADMISSIONS

Pupil intake to Petherton Park School is determined through an assessment process.  Parents/Carers and professionalare welcome to contact the school for more information once you have read our prospectus. We take applications at all points of the year.

  • Parents/Carers and professionals contact school for information.
  • Parents/Carers inform Local Authority of their school preferences.
  • Local authority consults Petherton Park School.
  • Senior leadership team assesses whether Pupil needs can be met.
  • Further information may be required at this stage.
  • Home visit or School visit arranged.
  • Parents/Carers and Pupil invited for admissions interview.
  • Final decision made by Senior leadership team.
  • Local Authority informed of decision and education package agreed.
  • Admission Pack sent out to Parents/Carers to be completed and signed.
  • Individual risk assessment and positive behavioural support plan created.
  • All information added to School Information Systems.
  • Transport arranged through the Local Authority.
  • Clear transition plan created.
  • Pupil starts at Acorn School.
  • Baseline assessments commence.

We have high expectations for every Pupil and believe that all Pupils can achieve, thrive and succeed when provided with the right support.

Our aim is to provide a safe, nurturing and positive learning environment where Pupils feel valued, understood and able to learn effectively. Through a personalised approach, we support Pupils to develop academically, socially and emotionally whilst building confidence, resilience and independence.

We offer a broad and balanced curriculum alongside a wide range of enrichment opportunities that enable Pupils to discover new interests, develop skills and experience success. Pupils are supported to work towards appropriate qualifications, accreditations and recognised outcomes that reflect their individual abilities, interests and future aspirations. We work closely with Parents, Carers and professionals to ensure that every Pupil receives consistent support and is well prepared for future education, employment and adult life.

As a specialist provision for Pupils with complex SEND needs, we deliver bespoke educational and therapeutic programmes tailored to each individual.

Our curriculum is adapted to meet the needs of our Pupils, ensuring barriers to learning can be identified and addressed. As an attachment and trauma aware school, we recognise that all behaviour is communication and seek to understand the needs that sit behind it.

What truly sets us apart is our integrated therapeutic approach. Our on-site Integrated Therapies Team works closely with Leaders, Teachers and Pupils to ensure therapeutic support is embedded throughout the school day. Rather than being separate from education, therapy forms part of everyday school life, helping Pupils develop the skills they need to regulate emotions, build relationships and engage successfully in learning.

We also maintain strong partnerships with families, local authorities and external professionals to provide joined-up support throughout a Pupil's school journey and during key periods of transition.

Every Pupil benefits from a personalised package of education, therapeutic support and intervention designed around their individual strengths, needs and aspirations.

We have high expectations for every Pupil and believe that all Pupils can achieve, thrive and succeed when provided with the right support.

Our aim is to provide a safe, nurturing and positive learning environment where Pupils feel valued, understood and able to learn effectively. Through a personalised approach, we support Pupils to develop academically, socially and emotionally whilst building confidence, resilience and independence.

We offer a broad and balanced curriculum alongside a wide range of enrichment opportunities that enable Pupils to discover new interests, develop skills and experience success. Pupils are supported to work towards appropriate qualifications, accreditations and recognised outcomes that reflect their individual abilities, interests and future aspirations. We work closely with Parents, Carers and professionals to ensure that every Pupil receives consistent support and is well prepared for future education, employment and adult life.

As a specialist provision for Pupils with complex SEND needs, we deliver bespoke educational and therapeutic programmes tailored to each individual.

Our curriculum is adapted to meet the needs of our Pupils, ensuring barriers to learning can be identified and addressed. As an attachment and trauma aware school, we recognise that all behaviour is communication and seek to understand the needs that sit behind it.

What truly sets us apart is our integrated therapeutic approach. Our on-site Integrated Therapies Team works closely with Leaders, Teachers and Pupils to ensure therapeutic support is embedded throughout the school day. Rather than being separate from education, therapy forms part of everyday school life, helping Pupils develop the skills they need to regulate emotions, build relationships and engage successfully in learning.

We also maintain strong partnerships with families, local authorities and external professionals to provide joined-up support throughout a Pupil's school journey and during key periods of transition.

Every Pupil benefits from a personalised package of education, therapeutic support and intervention designed around their individual strengths, needs and aspirations.

We have high expectations for every Pupil and believe that all Pupils can achieve, thrive and succeed when provided with the right support.

Our aim is to provide a safe, nurturing and positive learning environment where Pupils feel valued, understood and able to learn effectively. Through a personalised approach, we support Pupils to develop academically, socially and emotionally whilst building confidence, resilience and independence.

We offer a broad and balanced curriculum alongside a wide range of enrichment opportunities that enable Pupils to discover new interests, develop skills and experience success. Pupils are supported to work towards appropriate qualifications, accreditations and recognised outcomes that reflect their individual abilities, interests and future aspirations. We work closely with Parents, Carers and professionals to ensure that every Pupil receives consistent support and is well prepared for future education, employment and adult life.

As a specialist provision for Pupils with complex SEND needs, we deliver bespoke educational and therapeutic programmes tailored to each individual.

Our curriculum is adapted to meet the needs of our Pupils, ensuring barriers to learning can be identified and addressed. As an attachment and trauma aware school, we recognise that all behaviour is communication and seek to understand the needs that sit behind it.

What truly sets us apart is our integrated therapeutic approach. Our on-site Integrated Therapies Team works closely with Leaders, Teachers and Pupils to ensure therapeutic support is embedded throughout the school day. Rather than being separate from education, therapy forms part of everyday school life, helping Pupils develop the skills they need to regulate emotions, build relationships and engage successfully in learning.

We also maintain strong partnerships with families, local authorities and external professionals to provide joined-up support throughout a Pupil's school journey and during key periods of transition.

Every Pupil benefits from a personalised package of education, therapeutic support and intervention designed around their individual strengths, needs and aspirations.

Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Statement

At our school, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where every Pupil is valued and supported to thrive. Guided by our Phoenix HEART values – Honesty, Empathy, Aspiration, Respect and Teamwork – equality, inclusion and diversity are central to everything we do.
We meet our duties under the Equality Act 2010 by:
  • Eliminating discrimination and disadvantage
  • Promoting equality of opportunity
  • Fostering respect and positive relationships
As a specialist setting, our approach is child‑centred, trauma‑informed and relational. We recognise that inclusion means meeting individual needs to ensure every Pupil can access, engage and succeed.
We achieve this through:
  • Creating environments where Pupils feel safe, heard and valued
  • Removing barriers to learning and wellbeing
  • Promoting belonging, positive behaviour and emotional safety
  • Working in partnership with families and professionals
Together, we create a community where everyone is treated with dignity, differences are respected and celebrated, and concerns are listened to and acted upon.
Petherton Park School Logo Large

Curriculum information
is currently being updated
and will be available soon

Feedback from last Academic year

Philosophy on feedback

As part of our approach to reflective practice Phoenix Learning and Care recognise and embrace the importance of developing a culture of continual learning and development.  We welcome feedback on our achievements and the opportunity to share best practice, however we equally understand the importance of learning from our shortfalls. As such we welcome hearing about where we may have not lived up to our high standards and we truly value the opportunity to reflect and learn about areas that we need to develop further.

Within the last academic year we have received the following number of compliments and complaints.  

24
COMPLIMENTS
1
COMPLAINTS

If you would like to provide feedback to the school or wish to make us aware of a compliment or complaint then you can email the school direct.

Alternatively, you may contact our Operations Director for Education, Darren Jackson on: djackson@plcl.org.uk

We treat all concerns appropriately and all complaints are investigated thoroughly following our complaints policy and procedure which can be found within the Policies section of this website.  

REFERRALS

Our proprietors Phoenix Learning and Care, welcome enquiries for placements in any of our services.

Please call us on 03330 150331 or email referrals@plcl.org.uk

We will provide an initial response to all enquiries as soon as possible, advising the options available and indicative dates of admission.

The referrals team can discuss the local offer and where appropriate, put you in contact with the respective Registered Manager or Head Teacher to discuss the practical areas in greater detail.

The Young Person and/or pupil are openly encouraged to visit along with parents, guardians or Social Workers to see if the placement is suitable.

Once the placement is confirmed, we work to ensure a smooth transition including the completion of required documentation.