The Dales School

A child must have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) before a place can be applied for, and admission is managed via the Local Authority's Commissioning Panel.

“A child must have an Educational, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) before a place may be applied for. This process is managed by Northumberland County Council’s Commissioning Panel and it is this panel who decide whether The Dales School may, or may not, be an appropriate placement based upon the details they receive from parents and professionals.”

Specialist SEND school with small groups and high adult-to-child ratio using bespoke interventions

“Our staff team of highly skilled practitioners work with children in small groups with a high ratio of adults to children and use bespoke interventions and strategies to ensure that learning is both accessible and meaningful.”

Staff work together to meet the individual needs of every pupil to unlock potential and support progress

“Staff work together to meet the individual needs of every pupil and we believe we can unlock each child’s potential and support progress and achievement.”

The voice of the child is described as paramount, with children listened to and valued.

“At The Dales School the voice of the child is paramount, they are listened to and valued.”

Pupils took part in Forest School activities during the winter term, including mud kitchen play, fire safety cooking, whittling and den/hammock play.

“We’ve had an absolute blast during our first winter term at Forest School! The kids have really embraced the chance to build resilience, tackle problems, and, most importantly, enjoy playing together.”

School describes itself as an inclusive school whose life values underpin everything it does.

“We are an inclusive school and our life values influence all that we do.”

School promotes fundamental British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect/tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

“At The Dales School we promote the fundamental values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

The Dales is a specialist primary school, not a sixth form provider

“The Dales is a specialist primary school based on two sites: Blythdale in Blyth and Ashdale in Ashington.”

Northumberland County Council is the Admissions Authority for all Special Schools in Northumberland, including The Dales School, and the school itself is not an admission authority.

“Northumberland County Council, the Local Authority, is the Admissions Authority for all Special Schools in Northumberland, which includes The Dales School.”

Parents are welcomed to visit and look around the school to discuss educational opportunities and whether it's an appropriate placement.

“We warmly welcome contact from parents who would like to look around our school to discuss the educational opportunities we are able to provide and to openly discuss with you whether you consider us to be an appropriate school placement or not.”