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Headteacher: K Berry Deputy Headteacher: G Hughes158 Whitegate DriveBlackpoolFY3 9HFTelephone: (01253) 764130Fax: (01253)600670Email Address: [email protected]

September 2019

INTRODUCTION

Park Community Academy is a Community Special Academy for boys and girls aged 2 - 19 years from Blackpool and surrounding areas. There are currently 289 pupils on roll.

Park Community Academy is a founder member of the Blackpool Multi Academy Trust, along with Devonshire Academy and Anchorsholme Primary Academy. The Multi Academy Trust was established on 1st September 2013. From April 2014 the Multi Academy Trust has been responsible for the sponsorship of Revoe Learning Academy, also in Blackpool.

From September 2015, the Local Authority commissioned Park Community Academy to deliver Post 16 provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs. This is co-located provision with Woodlands School situated off site, based at Westbury Sixth Form Centre.

Westbury Sixth Form Centre offers a three year programme providing education up to the age of 19 there are currently 33 students on roll (Year 12/13/14).

Blackpool Council’s Children and Young People’s Department have retained their statutory duties with regards to admitting children into the Academy.

LocationThe Academy is situated in a pleasant area of the well-known seaside resort of Blackpool, approximately one-mile inland from the town centre and sea front. Nearby is the large open space and recreational and sports area of Stanley Park, and in close proximity to the new Whitegate Drive Health Centre and Woodlands School for pupils with S.L.D/PMLD.

The Buildings and SiteThe original school was opened in September 1960, and the architecture reflects the style of that period. The main building is on one level and comprises of a general-purpose school hall with a kitchen adjoining, a primary building with five classrooms; a secondary wing with four classrooms; a science room; a technology room; and a food technology room. The main reception and offices and the staffroom are situated centrally. There are five outlying "teaching blocks". The Infants and Foundation Stage are based in the new purpose built 'Jubilee Building' which comprises of two classrooms, and additional

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specialist provision including a dedicated therapy base and sensory and soft play areas, which opened in May 2002. In April 2004 the refurbishment of a derelict stable building was completed at a cost approaching half a million pounds. The building provides a dedicated ICT suite, three further classrooms and additional office space situated in a two storey building. In January 2012, after a six month closure a third out building, now known as the ‘Diamond Building’ was completely refurbished to provide a superb new dedicated Art Room and ‘state of the art’ Performing Arts Studio.Outside is a large playing field, floodlit Multi Use Games Area, trim trail, separate playgrounds for infants, juniors and seniors and a car parking area.

Building Developments

In the last 20 years the Academy and the Local Authority have invested substantially in improving the site, facilities, security and learning areas on the school site.This has included: Refurbishment of the Science Laboratory August 2018. The installation of a 24 hour closed circuit television surveillance system. Electronic Security locks to all external doors. Improved security lighting. Installation of low-line ceilings and new lighting throughout the school. Refurbishment of the secondary school yard. New playground area for Key Stage 2. Refurbishment of Food Technology Room to include height adjustable units. Refurbishment of main entrance and reception area with improved disability access and additional

office space. Refurbishment of main office, resource area and new staffroom. Floodlit Multi use games area for school and community use. Refurbishment and extension to Headteacher’s Office. New disabled toilet and shower room. Refurbishment of School Hall and installation of new lighting rig and electronic curtains to staging. Refurbishment of all Junior Classrooms (2008/09) Refurbishment of all Secondary Classrooms (2009/10) Provision of a new office space for the Learning Mentor (2010). Revised vehicular access to the school site and creation of a new 20 place car park at the rear of the

school (April 2010). Refurbishment and extension of existing buildings to create a new Expressive Arts Block for school

and community use, consisting of a Performing Arts studio and fantastic new Art room, along with additional office space for administrative purposes. (January 2012).

Full redecoration of the Jubilee and Stables buildings (August 2013). Refurbishment and extension of KS1 and KS2 playgrounds and outdoor learning areas (April 2014). New cladding to exterior of main building (April 2014). Refurbishment of the primary and secondary toilets in the main school buildings. (August 2015) Refurbishment of boys and girls changing rooms. (August 2015) Refurbishment of co-located Sixth Form Centre – Westbury Sixth Form Centre (April 2016) Installation of Secondary outdoor gymnasium (August 2016) Construction and completion of the Berry Building in October 2018.


The PupilsAll pupils admitted into the school have an Education, health & Care Plan dependent on their date of admission. The children have a range of learning needs associated with moderate to severe learning difficulties, complex learning difficulties including autistic spectrum disorders, sensory difficulties and associated social emotional and behavioral difficulties and challenging behaviours. Many are admitted either from local mainstream Schools or Nurseries. However, because of the nature of Blackpool there is a significant transient population, and some pupils move into the area with only partly completed statements or EHCP’s. Children are regularly admitted at any time throughout the school year.

Our pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum adapted to meet the needs of each individual. In addition to gaining language, mathematical, scientific, technological, artistic and physical skills, our aim is for children to build confidence, develop self-reliance, learn to make decisions and develop the ability to express feelings and ideas.

We also attach great importance to the personal, social and moral development of pupils, and seek to enable them to build positive relationships with other pupils and adults, and to be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others. We work hard to ensure that all pupils feel good about themselves and acquire a high level of self-esteem in order to promote self-confidence.

Home to school transport is provided by the Local Authority where appropriate and older pupils are encouraged to travel independently where feasible.

The Staff

Senior Leadership Team of Headteacher, one Deputy Headteacher, and two Assistant Headteachers, one Academy Operational Leader and one Academy Business Leader.

Five phase Team Leaders (TLR Allowance) who have a curriculum, pastoral and team leadership responsibility for one or more age phase of the school.

Lead Behavioral Professional (TLR Allowance) Lead Teacher for School Direct programme and Student Teachers (TLR Allowance) Lead Teacher for Apprentice Teaching Assistants (TLR Allowance) Head of Faculty and Director of Specialism, PE, Sport and Outdoor Education (TLR Allowance) Head of Faculty for Arts and Technologies (TLR Allowance)

All teaching staff have leadership responsibilities for curriculum areas across the whole school at either primary or secondary level.

The Head, Deputy, Assistant Headteachers, Team Leaders and Academy Business Leader meet regularly as a School Management Team. All other staff meet within Key Stage teams or curriculum development teams. There are twice weekly morning staff briefings and whole school staff meetings are held as appropriate.

Nursery Nurses and Special Support Assistants are integral members of each Key Stage Team. At present there are 31 such posts, including 6 Higher Level Teaching Assistants. Support Staff are also deployed specifically to support mainstream links for our pupils in local primary and secondary settings as required.

There is also a highly successful Apprentice Teaching Assistant training programme run in school, in conjunction with a partner training agency, GP Strategies.


OFSTED INSPECTIONThe School was last inspected in May 2018 and the pupils, parents, staff and Governors were all very proud when the ‘overall effectiveness of the school’ was judged as ‘Outstanding’. The school was also judged as ‘Outstanding’ in its previous full Inspections in May 2015, October 2009 and May 2007.

The most recent report highlighted the many strengths of the school:- This is an outstanding school. All groups of pupils make exceptional progress at this remarkable school because governors, leaders

and staff ensure that every effort is made to provide each pupil with the personalized support necessary for them to thrive.

Governors and leaders provide the school with visionary leadership. The school’s values radiate from every member of the school community. This school is a happy, life affirming place in which to learn and work. Teachers are highly skilled in providing pupils of all abilities with the incremental challenge that

enables them to make rapid progress. Pupils’ behavior is impeccable at all times. Pupils receive carefully crafted support that enables them to develop the skills that will help them to

become successful and independent adults. The curriculum is broad, balanced, relevant and personalized to each pupil. Pupils’ achievements in different sports and the arts are truly inspiring. The early years leaders pursuit of excellence ensures that children feel valued and are quickly inducted

into the school’s ethos. The Sixth Form is well established and provides students with an excellent education which provides

invaluable support for their transition to adulthood.The full report can be viewed at www.ofsted.gov.uk – ‘schools’

Park Community Academy is also proud to say it has received the following awards: Designated as a Specialist Arts College (Sep 2010) Artsmark Gold (2012) ‘Outstanding Teacher’ Award – Blackpool Council Achievement Awards (2012) Distinction in the Category of ‘Outstanding New Teacher of the Year’ – Pearson Teaching

Awards (2012) ‘Inspirational Teacher Award’ – Blackpool Gazette (2012) ‘Teacher of the Year’ – Radio Wave Hero’s in the Community (2012) PE School of the Year – Blackpool Sports Council (2013) ECO Award Sustainable School Award – Blackpool Gazette (2013) Eco School’s Green Flag (2014) Investors In People - Silver (March 2014) Learning Outside The Classroom Silver Accreditation (March 2014) AFPE QUALITY SPORTS MARK WITH DISTINCTION (March 2014) School Fest Grand Final Winners – Blackpool Council (2014) Sainsburys School Games Gold Award (2014) School of the Year – Blackpool Community Sports Awards (2015) Investors in People – Gold May 2016 Inspirational Teacher Award (2016) Artsmark Platinum Award (2017) Sainsburys School Games Platinum Award (2018) International Eco Schools Award (June 2018) PE Education & Sports Quality Mark with Distinction (2018) School Trips Award – Gazette Education Awards (2018) School Team of the Year – Gazette Education Awards (2018)


http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/

Secondary School of the Year – Gazette Education Awards (2018)

OUT OF SCHOOL CARE

The school is an OFSTED registered provider of Out of School Care. After School Clubs are provided three nights per week from 3.30pm – 4.30pm, offering a range of sports, leisure, recreational, musical, artistic and technology based activities for pupils of primary and secondary age completely free of charge.

In July 2007 the School’s Summer Activity Scheme was also inspected by OFSTED. The overall quality and standards of care provided by the school were judged as ‘Outstanding’ in all areas.

The full report can be viewed at www.ofsted.gov.uk – ‘out of school care’

The Governors' Curriculum Statement

"The Park Community Academy Curriculum will aim to follow the general principles laid down in the Blackpool Council Curriculum Document, with a particular emphasis on providing for the Special Educational Needs of each pupil.

Pupils will have access to the Foundation Stage and the full breadth of the National Curriculum, having due regard for the relevance to each pupil at their particular age and development level.

The progress of each pupil will be regularly assessed to guide the work of the teachers. Parents will be kept informed of progress and will be encouraged to participate in the education of their child through regular discussion and the review process.

Special emphasis will be placed upon the concept of the development of the whole child through personal, social, physical and spiritual development."

SCHOOL ORGANISATION

The School caters for the whole age range from 2 year olds right up to the 19 year olds. Therefore, although Park Community Academy is in spirit and purpose "One School", the organisation of the School takes into account differing educational, social, and physical needs of the pupils through the age groups.

The School is organised into the five stages of education defined by the National Curriculum:

KEY STAGE 1: Yrs. R, 1 & 2 Lower PrimaryKEY STAGE 2: Yrs. 3 to 6 Upper PrimaryKEY STAGE 3: Yrs. 7 to 9 Lower Secondary.KEY STAGE 4: Yrs. 10 & 11 Upper Secondary.KEY STAGE 5 Years 12,13 & 14 Sixth Form

Staff The teaching staff is organised into five teams, one for each of these Key Stages. The teams also include nursery nurses or special support assistants and Apprentice Teaching Assistants who work closely with the teachers. The work within each Key Stage is organised by a senior team member called a "Team Leader".


http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/

Although each teacher is allocated to a particular team they may occasionally work within a different Key Stage for a particular subject.

PupilsThe pupils are placed in tutor groups or “classes” with children of similar age. Each class is in the charge of a Class Teacher or Form Tutor. This member of staff has direct responsibility and an overview for their pupils well-being, progress and care on a day to day basis.

As pupils get older and they move up the school, they tend to spend less time with just one teacher. However, even in Key Stage 3, 4 and 5, they will not meet as many different teachers each day as they would in a High School.

Because of the flexibility of teaching options within each Key Stage, occasionally special arrangements can be made for a pupil to work with a higher or lower group than their own if it is to their advantage. This is monitored carefully, and every effort is made to ensure that each pupil progresses normally through the Key Stages.

EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO PROMOTE THE INCLUSION OF OUR PUPILS WITHIN THE MAINSTREAM SECTOR WHERE APPROPRIATE.

At break-times The pupils mix socially within their own age bands. There are separate infant, junior and secondary playgrounds which allows for the differing physical size and styles of play.

College Link Courses for Years 11, 12, 13 and 14, pupils are held on one of several sites of the Blackpool and Fylde College. These courses are led by College staff with discreet support provided by staff from School.

Pupils also attend Myerscough Agricultural and Horticultural College at Garstang.

Swimming lessons are provided for pupils in 3, 4, 5 and 6 at Moor Park Pool. Transport is provided.

Each pupil is able to progress at his or her own level and is able to gain recognised swimming certificates to demonstrate progress.


THE CURRICULUMThe school curriculum is designed to cover all the subjects of the National Curriculum. These subjects and "cross-curricular" subjects are listed on this page.

How these subjects are taught and the depth of detail depends on i) the age of the pupilsii) the ability of each pupil

Core subjects - EnglishMathematicsScienceComputing

Foundation subjects HistoryGeographyMusicDramaArtPhysical EducationModern Foreign Language (French)Technology: (including Design Technology, Food Technology)

Religious Education (Parents have the right to withdraw their child from R.E.)

The following Cross-curricular areas are incorporated within the curriculum. Personal and Social EducationLife SkillsHealth EducationInformation, Advice and Guidance (IAG)CitizenshipWork Experience/Voluntary WorkEnvironmental EducationIndustry Education LiaisonEconomic and Industrial UnderstandingEuropean AwarenessEqual OpportunitiesMulti-cultural Education

Special Educational Needs .

Of course, there is a lot more to the Curriculum than just the list of subjects given above. Each pupil attending our school is here because they need a different approach to their learning. At the heart of the education of each pupil is their Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP). Through the EHCP and the Annual Review the most important educational targets are highlighted. These usually concentrate on three areas:

1. Speech, Language, and Literacy - Learning to communicate effectively through the spoken and written word.

2. Numeracy - Learning to understand number and to manage money, measurement, etc.

3. Personal and Social Education - Learning to care for oneself properly, and to give care and consideration for others.


The Wider Curriculum

A wide range of activities is open to the pupils to enrich their experience of school life. Examples of the wider curriculum are:

Music - Music is an important part of school life. All pupils are encouraged to sing and experience playing various musical instruments. Some pupils go on to learn a brass instrument. The school has had a brass band for many years, which is a unique achievement and is a major strength of the school.

Drama and Theatre. - Drama is a key part of the curriculum, and all pupils will take part in public performances before an audience throughout their school life. Again, this is a major strength of the school. The school was very proud to be designated as a Specialist Performing Arts College in September 2010 and the Performing Arts sits central to the ethos of the school.

Theatre Visits and Visiting Performers - Travelling theatre groups and musicians visit the School. Groups of pupils are taken to suitable productions at the Grand Theatre including Shakespeare and Ballet.

Youth Club - There is a youth club which meets one evening a week. It is open to pupils of 14 years and upwards and past pupils up to 25 years old, and has all the facilities of the Blackpool Youth and Community Service at its disposal.

School journeys and visits - School visits and residential visits are organised every year. These activities widen the horizons of the pupils and provide opportunities for them to learn to live together in a new environment.

Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) - This is now a very well-developed area of the curriculum. There is close liaison with the local colleges and through the review process we consult with pupils, local providers and parents about future employment and further education. Pupils are trained in interview techniques and are able to attend practice interviews.

Work experience – From Year 11 onwards pupils experience a range of in house and out of school work situations to give them first-hand experience of working life.

Business Enterprise and other work related learning - The school holds "Enterprise Days" where people from local business, industry and the wider community come in to work on challenging projects with pupils. Various Business Enterprise ventures have become a regular feature, and pupils run several "mini-enterprises" in school at individual class level. The school also runs an extremely successful annual enterprise market with classes competing to make the most profit from a £30 allocation.

KEEPING OUR PARENTS INFORMED OF PROGRESS

We like to maintain close links with parents and they are welcome to visit the school at any mutually agreed time to discuss the progress of their child and to seek advice on other matters which might affect progress.

Consultation Evenings

There are two Parents Evenings, one in the Autumn Term and one in the Summer Term, where parents/carers can consult with teachers about your child's progress.


End of Year Report

In the Summer Term parents will receive a written school report, and will be invited into school to discuss any matters arising from the report.

The Annual Review of your child's Education, Health & Care Plan

Each year the Academy carries out a Review of the EHCP. The purpose of the review is to look at the child’s progress, and to plan the programmes to meet their needs for the coming year.

Parents, pupils, teachers and other professionals will also be invited to contribute to and attend the review meeting.

The Review meeting will also consider how well the pupils needs are being met, and whether a change of provision should be considered.

HOMEWORK

Work is provided by the School for children to carry out at home in the evening or at the weekend. The nature of the work will depend very much on the age and the needs of each individual pupil. How often and how much again will vary according to age and needs.

Homework is popular with many of our pupils as they have brothers or sisters who will also have homework to do. It also gives the parents an opportunity to become involved in the child's education by providing help and encouragement.

A copy of the Homework Policy is available from school on request.Throughout the Curriculum we aim to ensure that each pupil's individual special needs are met as required by the Governors in their Curriculum Statement.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

R.E. is taught across all the age groups of the school. The scheme falls within the Lancashire Syllabus and in accordance with national requirements reflects the fact that religious traditions in Great Britain are mainly Christian whilst taking account of the teaching and practices of other religions represented in this country.

PREPARATION FOR LEAVING SCHOOL

PCA plays an important role in preparing our students for the world of work. Careers education is part of the Personal and Social Education Programme starting with the very youngest children.

From Year 11, pupils work towards Further Education, vocational training, or employment. They are able to attend Links Courses at the Blackpool & Fylde College and Myerscough College, Garstang for horticulture, agriculture and small animal welfare. People from local business visit school to take part in Industry Days. A careers event is held annually for parents and pupils from Year 9 upwards.


PASTORAL CARE AND DISCIPLINE .

The School is focused, not only the educational progress of our pupils, but also with their personal and social development. Pupils are guided gradually towards an understanding of their own emotions and behaviour, and consideration towards others.

Good standards of behaviour are expected and encouraged, but staff are also sympathetic to the fact that problems may arise from time to time. All staff are sensitive to changes in the usual behaviour of pupils which may give a clue that a problem may have arisen.

Poor behaviour may come from some change, or worry, or upset. It could be a new baby at home, a family bereavement, moving house; or it could be bullying, either at school or in the neighbourhood. Great emphasis is therefore placed on close home-school relationships to monitor pupil’s pastoral needs.

Unfortunately, sometimes children just behave badly with no real excuse. On these occasions, most minor discipline problems are dealt with by the teacher and can be sorted out straight away. More serious or persistent problems will be referred to the Team Leader. Should these problems continue, parents/carers will be invited in to school to discuss with the Headteacher or Deputy what further steps need to be taken.

Rewards

Great emphasis is placed on ensuring all members of PCA community understand what is meant by good behaviour and the consequences of inappropriate behaviour. Good work, good behaviour, and good effort are recognised and rewarded daily through praise, privileges, and the awarding of badges and certificates which build up in each pupil's personal Record of Achievement Folder. At PCA we also hold a termly rewards day where pupils can access a range of different activities.

Children & Family Support Team

This is a key team within the pastoral care system of the school, comprising of a Children & Family Support Manager, and Children and Family Support worker who work with school based colleagues, individual families and external agencies to further develop home school relations which promote high quality educational provision for all pupils in an environment which reflects care, happiness, enjoyment and success. The School also has a two Lead Learning Mentors.

Other Multi Agency Staff

We have access to a School Nurse Practitioner for one day per week, who supports the school in addressing health related issues. The School Nurse Practitioner delivers health related programmes across the school in order to promote healthy lifestyles and good health, health assessment of individuals, health surveillance and health promotion to ensure that both local and national Public Health initiatives are met.


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