Get in Touch
- Academy Type: Special Academy
- Principal & Main Contact: Sam Gilronan
- Senior Administrator: Sheridan Bond
- Careers Leader: Alan Tilley - atilley@waveedu.org
- Designated Safeguarding Lead: Tuesday Alabaidi – talabaidi@waveedu.org
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Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Sam Gilronan – sgilronan@waveedu.org
Jackie Taylor – jtaylor@waveedu.org
Sally Scotting – sscotting@waveedu.ord - Address: Glendinning Academy, Sandringham Road, Newton Abbot, TQ12 4HD
- Phone: 01626 305220
- Email: glendinning@waveedu.org
- Opening Times: 0900 - 1500 Mon - Thurs, 0900 - 1400 Fri
- About
- Staff
- Academy Info
- Curriculum
- Subject Areas
- Student Data
- Referrals
- Newsletters & More
- Term Dates & Events
- Map
- Latest News
- Transport
- Friends of Glendinning Academy
- About
- Staff
- Academy Info
- Curriculum
- Subject Areas
- Student Data
- Referrals
- Newsletters & More
- Term Dates & Events
- Map
- Latest News
- Transport
- Friends of Glendinning Academy
About
Message from the Executive Principal
Hello and welcome to Glendinning Academy and thank you for showing an interest in our amazing school.
Glendinning is based in the town of Newton Abbot and is a school for pupils from Year 3 and up to and including Post 16. Initially we have opened for groups from Year 3 to Year 8. We cater for pupils that are working at or around age equivalent expectations and have a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum condition (ASC), anxiety or Speech Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).
The curriculum largely follows the National Curriculum, and currently is taught through the medium of the International Primary Curriculum and the International Middle Years Curriculum, with a focus, where possible of learning outside of the classroom.
Included within our core offer are Lego therapy, Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) assistant group work, a TEACHH and total communication approach, Emotional Logic support, Draw to Talk and access to animals.
Our new purpose-built school includes a soft playroom, an immersion room a library and specialist rooms for Art, Food Technology, Science and Outdoor Learning.
We are keen to both fit into our new community and be an asset to it to. We are happy to welcome visitors to our school, when restrictions allow, so you too can meet the amazing pupils and staff.
Again, thank you for showing an interest in our school and we look forward to meeting you.
Jackie Taylor, Executive Principal
Introduction
Glendinning Academy opened to pupils in September 2020.
Glendinning Academy is an academy for children aged from 7 to 19 (key stage 2 to key stage 5) with social interaction and communication needs including those on the Autism Spectrum. Initially the academy opened with 54 places for children, growing to 120 pupils over the first 3 years. Our pupils will all have Education, Health and Care Plans with a primary needs of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) or Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).
Glendinning Academy provides a personalised supportive environment. Pupils will have opportunities to use outdoor learning to access the National Curriculum, developing communication, interaction, social and emotional skills. Working in partnership with our pupils, and their parents/carers, Glendinning Academy will support our pupils academically and in their journey to independence. These partnerships will play a vital role in ensuring our pupils enjoy, succeed and achieve.
Lower school, years 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, follow a project based learning approach. The International Primary Curriculum places an emphasis on collaborative working and community involvement. During Key Stage Three pupils will use the International Middle Years Curriculum- this has themes running through different curriculum areas, allowing links to learning in different subjects to be made. Pupils will work in small groups, usually with more than one member of staff in attendance. Year 9 is a transition year when pupils consider qualification options and begin to consider certain subjects individually. During years 10 and 11 pupils work towards personal qualifications alongside their communication, interaction, social and emotional curriculum. Some of our pupils may choose to remain with us at Key Stage 5, whilst others will be supported in their selection and transition to other colleges and places of training.
The design of our new academy creates the foundation for our curriculum providing both indoor and outdoor learning environments. The needs of our potential pupils have been paramount in the development of our plans.
The School Site
Glendinning Academy moved into their purpose built school at the end of January 2020.
The school has been designed to support our learners’ sensory needs and take into account anxieties often related to a traditional school setting. Our building and learning environments also support our broad age range and our thematic curriculum. Each Key Stage has a base. Designated age ranges have dedicated entry and exits and each class at key stage 2 and 3 have access to the outdoors straight from their classroom.
Specialist areas include; an immersive room, separate dining and sports hall, sensory rooms, break out spaces, gardening, growing and animal care areas, an outdoor and animal care classroom, life skills room, purpose built art, science and food technology class rooms, lift for accessibility, outdoor play spaces and equipment, multi-use games area, meeting spaces.
Devon's Local Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Offer:
Careers information:
Please see below images of our new building.
Partnerships
Effective partnerships have an integral role to play in learner success. Glendinning Academy will work in association with our learners, their parents/carers and families, multi-agencies and our community.
Effective communication is vital in successful partnerships. Glendinning Academy understands the impact timely communication can have on learner enjoyment and progression at school. We will use technology to keep in touch with our parents/carers alongside good old fashioned conversations. Celebrations, workshops and sharing events will be organised throughout the year to help prosper relationships with our partners.
If you would like to work in partnership with us, please contact the school office for an informal chat.
Work With Us
Are you interested in becoming part of an innovative new school which puts personalisation and positive relationships at the heart of everything they do? Visit the vacancies page on the Wave MAT website Wave Vacancy Page and follow us on social media to keep in touch. We have an ongoing recruitment process as our new school grows over the next few years to 120 pupils.
Staff
Jackie Taylor
Executive Principal
Jackie has been working in education for 24 years and has led day and residential schools in the maintained and independent sectors. Her degree is in English and she spent many years leading English and PE in SEMH schools. Her teacher training was completed with Goldsmiths College and she has a Master’s in Education in Mental Health. She has supported other schools within her role as an NLE to develop inclusive practices Outside of work Jackie enjoys running, riding, developing her small holding and spending time with her family.
Sam Gilronan
Principal & Acting SENCO
Sam has been teaching for 26 years and has a wealth of experience in mainstream and alternative provisions having undertaken the role of SENCO over 18 years in settings across Kent and Devon. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of young people with SEND. She holds a Masters Degree in Speech and Language Difficulties and has utilised this to support children, families and schools over 4 years working across East Devon as an Advisory Teacher for the Communication and Interaction Team. Recently she was seconded by NASEN to work as the Deputy Regional Lead for SEND in the South West and carried out this exciting role for 2 years alongside working as an Assistant Headteacher and SENCo at a specialist provision in North Devon. While not at work Sam enjoys spending time with her family and dog making the most of the beautiful coastline and scenery of Devon.
Sally Scotting
Assistant Head of School
Sally has been teaching for fifteen years in a variety of settings; the bulk of her experience in mainstream secondary schools.
In her previous role, as Assistant Principal at a Devon school, Sally led on inclusion, safeguarding and social, emotional and mental health issues. Sally has a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Exeter, and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Textile Design from University College Falmouth. She has spent her career engaging with hard to reach students through hands-on tasks and respectful language. Outside of school, Sally enjoys being outdoors with her own children, travelling and creation of any kind.
Tuesday Alabaidi
Pastoral Support Manager
Tuesday started working at Glendinning Academy in September 2020 as the Family Support Manager. Prior to this, her background has been in Law where she has worked within the legal team at Devon & Cornwall Police and a specialist Family Law firm in Exeter. Tuesday has completed Level 3 CILEx qualifications in both Family Law and Family Law and Practice. During her previous roles, Tuesday has built fantastic relationships with the families that she worked very closely with and she is very excited to begin building new relationships with both parents and pupils at Glendinning Academy. Outside of work, Tuesday enjoys walking her two French Bulldogs, spending time with her family and going on holiday to enjoy some sunshine!
Our Curriculum at Glendinning
Curriculum
Curriculum Overview
Our individualised curriculum is designed to enable pupils to develop a sense of personal responsibility towards learning in collaboration with their teachers and support staff. Progress is monitored carefully and targets are designed to challenge and provide opportunity for progression.
Primary (KS2)
Our pupils will access the International Primary Curriculum with the addition of maths, English, horticulture and animal husbandry. There will also be a lot of opportunity to learn outside the classroom in natural environments and through play particularly to help develop their social skills. We will use regular assessments to track and monitor individual and cohort progress. The pupils will have regular access to social and emotion based interventions as well as SaLT interventions and Sensory opportunities as needed. We plan to work closely with the pupil's families through our family support workers to ensure that we are supporting the whole child.
Reading is taught through the Read Write Inc Systematic Synthetic Phonics validated programme
Key Stage 3 (KS3)
In KS3 pupils will have access The International Middle Years Curriculum; this ensures a cohesive and sequenced approach to their learning and ensures connections between subjects are evident. Alongside this there is a pertinent English and Maths curriculum and opportunities to learn outside of the classroom.; which will include Horticulture and Animal Husbandry. Targeted pupils also have access to 1:1 or small group intervention sessions including Emotional Literacy, SaLT and other specific therapies.
Key Stage 4 (KS4)
In line with the Glendinning PIECES Curriculum Intent, the aims of our Key Stage Four Curriculum is to prepare our students to interpret and engage with the world in order to become citizens who can adapt to a range of environments.
The subjects and qualifications have been chosen based upon the scope they offer for students to express themselves , to enable them to access further education and to provide them with the life skills they will need to fulfil their potential.
We anticipate that all students will have the opportunity to study each subject listed, at a level appropriate to them as an individual.
The Key Stage Four Curriculum is studied in Years 10 and 11 and will be delivered in line with the best practice we have developed in house to meet the needs of our learners.
Enrichment Subjects
Although students will not be taking formal qualifications in these subjects, they will follow a specially developed curriculum in order to support them in their understanding of these areas.
PE will focus on giving students access to a broad range of opportunities, with the aim of encouraging life long physical activity. There will opportunities for team sports, as appropriate, to encourage skills of collaboration.
Our PSHE program will focus on developing life skills, and supporting students to understand the world around them. Our careers sessions will focus on preparing students for adulthood with a focus on real
world experiences.
For Religious Education, students will follow the Torbay & Devon agreed syllabus. This allows students the opportunity to develop an understanding of a range of cultures and faiths.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award will provide a framework for the development of skills and knowledge across a range of areas.
Core Subjects
Glendinning Academy will offer students the opportunity to study for AQA qualifications in English, Mathematics and Science.
For Maths, students will either complete the Functional Skills specification, or the GCSE specification, depending on the individual learner.
For English we will complete the Functional Skills course, or the English Language and Literature GCSEs.
In Science students will either complete the Entry Level Qualification, or the GCSE Combined Science.
Additional Qualifications
GCSE Art, Craft & Design enables student to explore a variety of media, giving them the opportunity to express themselves and to explore the world from another vantage point, through the work of other artists.
BTEC Level 1 or 2 Award in Home Cooking Skills will be undertaken in order to prepare students for independent living , and further
qualifications or a career in catering if students wish to pursue these.
BTEC Level 2 Esports is endorsed by The British Esports Association. Esports is the term given to competitive online gaming and the course explores the industry behind it. This course will enable students to access FE courses and careers in ICT if so desired.
BTEC Entry Level Land Based Studies will build upon the understanding gained during Outdoor Learning at KS3. This course enables students to develop a range of skills through real life, hands-on experiences of careers outdoors.
Documents
MATHS
'A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new.' Albert Einstein This is a strong leading ethos in mathematics at the academy. Students are supported to learn new skills, build problem solving strategies and become more resilient, by learning that mistakes can be a good place to learn. Students all submit a maths baseline on entry to the school. This helps staff identify their areas of strength and the gaps in their knowledge, that we can work on. We use 'Doddle' as a platform to record topic understanding and this supports us in ensuring differentiation appropriately challenges each individual, through tasks and questioning. We use maths games, real life scenarios and puzzles to promote co-operative learning and problem-solving skills. KS4 students will tackle exam style questions on every topic covered, so that they feel prepared for their exams and post 16 aspirations.
ENGLISH
At the academy, all of our students receive an individualised approach to English according to their ability and need. We start this individualised learning by asking each student to do baseline assessments when they first attend our school. We can then identify what level the individual student is working at, any gaps in their learning and how best we can help them make progress. We have small classes and teaching assistants are present in every class to offer support as required. All of our students in key stage 4 will have the opportunity to be entered for formal examinations.
SCIENCE
In years 9, 10 and 11 we will offer our students BTEC level 1 first award in applied science, which is a coursework only course. This will be taught alongside and embedded into the AQA GCSE biology curriculum. AQA GCSE biology gives students the chance to gain a good understanding of human biology, organisms, evolution and the environment.
ART
Students will explore the seven key elements; line, shape, tone, colour, form, space and texture in art. The curriculum will be project-based so students can take ownership of their work and the direction they want to follow. The students will be able to use a wide range of different media including; paint, pastel, charcoal, fabric, pens, pencil, clay to build their confidence over the course of the projects. The projects will look at all different types of cultures and cover a wide range of different types of art; graphic, illustration, fine, pop, street and 3D art.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
Learners in KS4 will have the opportunity to achieve a BTEC level 1 award in ICT. The qualification focuses on students learning Microsoft skills using the toolbar to format their work in order to create reports, presentations and display information through spreadsheets and graphs. The purpose of this qualification is to develop and recognise a learner's ICT skills and knowledge and enable them to use ICT effectively in their daily lives.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PE)
The academy will offer practical lessons to all students across KS2-5. There will be vast amounts of activities available to our pupils focusing on net and wall sports, invasions sports and general health related fitness sessions. Our overall aim is to provide students with the opportunity to lead active, healthy lifestyles as well as developing pupils’ social skills, resilience and knowledge of the importance of exercise.
PERSONAL, SOCIAL, HEALTH AND ECONOMIC (PSHE) EDUCATION
Personal and social education will be delivered in all key stages at the academy. The content in KS3 will focus on health and wellbeing, living in the wider World and relationships. The aim is for pupils to learn and develop their knowledge on a wide range of both PSE and citizenship topics and then refine this knowledge and understanding when they reach KS4 to have the opportunity to achieve a level 1 / 2 award or certificate in PSE. Our overall aim is to help pupils lead confident, healthy and responsible lives.
PRIMARY PSHE INTERVENTION
We understand that our pupils have complex needs, we aim to address these through small group tailored interventions. Our pupils learn through creative or sensory activities, games, songs, stories. They will study neuroscience, emotions, feelings, friendship, internet safety, road safety, stranger danger, the importance of telling the truth and the factors of keeping healthy (mind and body). They will learn strategies which they can use in and out of school to be able to cope and deal with powerful feelings and emotions. They will learn to be able to put their thoughts and feelings into words and who they can talk to for help and support. As an academy, we use the same language and strategies to support and guide each of our pupils in these areas.
FOOD TECHNOLOGY
Being able to cook is an essential life skill. Learning to cook is fun, creative and you will never forget how to do it. Our pupils will be introduced to basic cooking skills by following recipes for simple dishes and learning how to use kitchen equipment safely. Each recipe will be underpinned with knowledge about sourcing food, nutrition, hygiene and food safety. Through a variety of recipes developed, a range of techniques, skills and knowledge will be demonstrated. Explaining the value of acquiring skills for cooking at home and discussing ways to pass on knowledge of cooking skills to others is also explored. These programmes aim to give our pupils the skills and confidence to enjoy cooking at home and maintain a healthy lifestyle through cooking for themselves, friends and families and to inspire others to do so.
LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM (LOTC)
Our LOTC programme aims to enable young people to view themselves in a positive way through meaningful learning that occurs by acquiring knowledge and skills through real-life, practical hands-on activities that are challenging rewarding and incorporates first aid training throughout. Our pupils will have the opportunity to gain nationally-recognised awards in first aid, sports and other activities, validating their learning and empowering them to continue enjoying activities that promotes active lifestyles, grit determination, resilience and positive change.
Referrals
ADMISSIONS
Glendinning Academy is a special school providing 120 places for boys and girls in the age range 7 to 19, who have a primary need of social communication and interaction including those on the Autism Spectrum, whose needs cannot be met within a mainstream school.
Our Learners should be capable of accessing a mainstream curriculum with appropriate environmental adaptations. For a child to be admitted the school must be named, by the local authority, in the child’s Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP). Parents wishing their children to benefit from the provision at Glendinning Academy should specify this to the 0-25 team.
As a new academy, growth will be staggered across the first 3 to 5 years. There are 54 places in the first year of opening, for pupils in year groups 3 to 8. In the second year the pupils will range from year 3 to year 9 and we will have 90 places available.
For an informal discussion please contact the academy.
Useful Links
The following links to external websites may contain helpful information.
Devon’s SEND Local Offer is the education, health and social care services and support for children and young people (0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The Signpost plus team provides information to parents and carers of children and young people with additional needs in Devon. They were formerly DISCPLUS this team
Devon Information Advice and Support (DIAS) service provides information, advice and support on special educational needs and disability (SEND).
Latest News
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Library Grants for Glendinning Academy
Read MoreLibrary Grants for Glendinning Academy
Enthusiastic young readers from Glendinning Academy will soon have hundreds more books to choose from in the academy’s library - thanks to a £6,000 grant from the Foyle Foundation. ... -
Glendinning Academy staff and pupils settle into their brand new school
Read MoreGlendinning Academy staff and pupils settle into their brand new school
Pupils and staff at Glendinning Academy, Wave’s special free school for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Devon, are incredibly happy to have moved ... -
Glendinning Academy - a very successful first few days
Read MoreGlendinning Academy - a very successful first few days
2nd October 2020 Just a few days into the new school term, parents of pupils at Glendinning Academy are praising the positive impact of the school on their children - and everyone is loving Rory, the... -
New Glendinning Academy welcomes its first pupils
Read MoreNew Glendinning Academy welcomes its first pupils
17 September 2020 Today was a very special day for staff at Glendinning Academy, Wave’s new special free school for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND),... -
From tigers, meerkats and snakes, to horses, dogs and tortoises, Wave Multi Academy Trust are using animals to help support pupils
Read MoreFrom tigers, meerkats and snakes, to horses, dogs and tortoises, Wave Multi Academy Trust are using animals to help support pupils
10th March 2020 PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A LINK TO A SHORT FILM ABOUT THE WAVE TRUST ANIMALS PROJECT From tigers, meerkats and snakes, to horses, dogs and tortoises, staff at Wave are using animals to ...
Transport
Who do I ask about organising transport for my child?
Please contact Devon County Council’s school transport department. schooltransportservicequeries-mailbox@devon.gov.uk, more information can be found here www.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/school-information/school-and-college-transport.
If you live in the Torbay area you will need to make contact with Torbay LA, more information can be found here www.torbay.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-transport/
Our school site is conveniently located to be easily accessed by car, rail and bus. Due to the current restrictions linked to Covid-19 please check with the transport provider before you travel.
www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey
/www.gwr.com/plan-journey/stations-and-routes/newton-abbot
Travelling from A380 leave at the Newton Abbot junction and take the exit signposted Buckland. Keep to the left hand lane and take the first left at the traffic lights. Continue straight onto Queensway until you reach the T junction. Turn left onto Sandringham Road and Glendinning Academy can be found on your right just after the Windsor Avenue turning. TQ12 4HD
Friends of Glendinning Academy
Friends of Glendinning Academy (FoGA) is a team of volunteers who are dedicated to support the Glendinning Academy project.
‘Our purpose is to encourage community engagement with Glendinning Academy and raise funds for ancillary equipment for the benefit of the pupils of the Academy.
We will stage regular social activities with members, our pupils, their families and the local community to foster goodwill.’
FoG will be set up as a charity and will work in collaboration with Glendinning Academy but will be independent to the school and Wave. Trustees and governance are being set up following the charity commissions guidance. An application to become a registered charity will be made.
For more information and to find out how to become a member, sponsor or to make a donation please contact trustees@friendsofglendinning.co.uk
For the most up to date information on our meetings and activities please follow us on Facebook @friendsofglendinning