On the 30th April 2015, Parkwood Hall School closed and on the 1st May Parkwood Hall Co-operative Academy opened. Technically, we are a new school, but in reality our history as a special school goes right back to 1970.
We are a “stand-alone” special academy which has formally adopted the values of the co-operative school movement. This means that we are not part of a multi-academy trust and that we have undertaken to treat all students, families and employees honestly, openly and equitably. All our teachers are qualified and we honour national agreements in respect of pay and conditions of service for all staff.
All the governors of the school are directors of Parkwood Hall Co-operative Academy Trust Ltd and they are trustees of the charity which, among other things, owns and controls the land and buildings. We do not make a profit and there are no hidden “back-office” operations.
Being an academy brings additional freedoms as well as responsibilities. We have the freedom to decide upon our own curriculum and we are able to be more flexible in meeting the needs of our students and their families. One example of this is the “Residential Education Experience” which enables parents to request and pay for flexi-boarding packages and extended day provision.
Our philosophy is to try to provide a complete and joined-up service. From a broad range of evidence-based therapies which are available to all on the basis of need, to innovative curriculum developments such as Forest School, we listen to what families tell us they need and we try to ensure that their children’s special, individual and complex needs are met.
