Mary Elliot Academy

The school is a Special Educational Needs provision for ages 11-18 supporting severe learning difficulties, autism spectrum conditions, and profound and multiple learning difficulties.

“We are a Special Educational Needs provision located in Walsall, dedicated to supporting young people aged 11–18 with a range of needs, including Severe Learning Difficulties, Autism Spectrum Conditions, and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties.”

School is a Special Educational Needs provision for ages 11-18 supporting Severe Learning Difficulties, Autism Spectrum Conditions, and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties

“We are a Special Educational Needs provision located in Walsall, dedicated to supporting young people aged 11–18 with a range of needs, including Severe Learning Difficulties, Autism Spectrum Conditions, and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties.”

The school names its Designated Safeguarding Lead, who is also Deputy Headteacher, Attendance Lead and Mental Health Lead, and describes safeguarding processes and support for pupils and families.

“My name is Rachael Bowen and I am the Designated Safeguarding Lead at Mary Elliot Academy. As well as DSL I am also Deputy Headteacher, Attendance Lead and the Mental Health Lead for the school.”

The DSL works with staff, pupils, families, and outside agencies to ensure children and families are safe and supported, following Child Protection procedures set by the local Safeguarding Partnership.

“My role as the Designated Safeguarding Lead is to work with staff, pupils and their families. I also work with outside agencies to ensure that all children and their families are happy, safe and supported.”

AQA Unit Awards offer flexible accreditation recognising diverse strengths and aspirations of learners

“AQA Unit Awards provide flexible accreditation that celebrates individual achievement and progression while recognising the diverse strengths and aspirations of our learners.”

The school holds an annual Careers and Transition Roadshow as part of its enrichment/careers provision.

“On Wednesday 5th November, we held our annual Careers and Transition Roadshow.”

Ethos emphasizes nurturing potential, holistic needs, and student flourishing, with named core values

“a place where every student’s journey is celebrated, and their potential is nurtured”

The school describes itself as a nurturing place where every student's individual journey and potential are valued.

“a place where every student’s journey is celebrated, and their potential is nurtured”

KS5 (post-16) curriculum is centred on the four Preparation for Adulthood outcomes: Employment, Independent Living, Community Inclusion, and Health and Wellbeing

“Our Key Stage 5 curriculum is centred around the four Preparation for Adulthood outcomes: Employment, Independent Living, Community Inclusion, and Health and Wellbeing.”

The school provides Post 16 (Key Stage 5) education as a dedicated department for students aged 16-18 with severe and profound complex learning difficulties.

“Key Stage 5 : Post 16, ages – 16-18”

Placement follows statutory assessment of need resulting in an EHCP/statement, with parents able to visit schools before placement is finalised

“Following statutory assessment of need an initial statement/EHCP is made and a school will be identified as being suitable to meet the objectives that have been identified.”

Admissions to Mary Elliot Academy are managed by the Local Authority SEND team via EHCP/statement process

“All admissions to Mary Elliot Academy are managed by the Local Authority SEND team.”

Preparation for school leaving occurs during the last two years, with parents involved and information about post-school options and visits to possible placements arranged.

“Preparation for school leaving takes place during the student’s last two years and parents are fully involved and consulted throughout the process. Information about post-school options are provided and visits to possible placements are arranged.”

Post-16 learners develop practical skills for adult life including Employment through personalised programmes and real-life experiences

“Learners develop practical skills for adult life through personalised programmes, real-life experiences, and accredited learning opportunities.”