When you enter the main building, you are greeted by a beautiful large fish tank and an overwhelming sense of calm and quietness. That is not to say incidents don’t happen, they do, but the staff have a very calm manner of dealing with things.
Moving through the school and its grounds you see that Discovery Special Academy and the Trust recognise the uniqueness of every child and promotes inclusion through their holistic approach. Having an holistic approach to ensure the children made progress socially and emotionally as well as academically was evident and underpinned every decision the school leaders and staff made.
Staff across school are passionate about supporting all children and everything they do places the children firmly at the centre. Staff work as a close team and feel trusted to work for the good of all. They are innovative in their approach to supporting the needs of children. The clear systems and processes evidenced in their daily day-to-day practice make school a calm place to learn and work.
Parents are extremely supportive and appreciative of the work of the school. One parent said of the staff ‘It’s like having another parent for my child’. Another said, ‘Everything I need is here from the staff because through their support they know the children better than we do’. Through the work of the Pastoral Team the school is keen to continue to encourage parents to play a part in school life.
There is a feeling of ambition, enthuisiam and passion for the students of Discovery
-IQM Assessor
You are all brilliant!
-Parent
The environments have a calm feel to them. The classroom structure is suited to the pupil needs
-Student Teacher
My child has come on leaps and bounds since joining Discovery, staff are doing a fantastic job, the school is always willing to help in and outside of school.
-Parent
The learning environment, resources and the use of ICT is designed to create an innovative and enriched experience for all pupils
-IQM Assessor
The staff have all been very nurturing and loving to the children. They are very fair.
-Student Teacher
Discovery is an amazing school with fantastic staff, who help your child through every aspect.
-Parent
The environment is very calming and suited to the needs of children. Everything has been considered to make the best of the learning environment for the children.
-Student Teacher
Absolutely AMAZING school with brilliant, hard-working and passionate teachers and staff! I would 100% recommend Discovery to any parent. My child has made significant progress since starting Discovery, plus my child is so happy and enjoys going to school, couldn’t ask for anything better for my child.
-Parent
We're really looking forward to working in your lovely school and supporting your wonderful pupils.
-Scott, NHS Eyecare Service
Thanks so much for taking the time to show us round - your school has such a lovely feel to it and we can’t wait to get started.
-Emma, NHS Eyecare Service
"You are fun, kind and always have my back. If it wasn’t for you my dinner times would be so boring. A big thanks to the staff for making sure all the kids were safe at all times and the children always made sure I wasn’t being boring by telling me what to play. Through discovery we grow."
- Discovery Playtime Buddy from Brambles Primary Academy
This is a school where relationships matter. Relationships are seen as pivotal to success and are valued and nurtured.
-IQM Assessor
I have enjoyed seeing the relationships that the staff build with every child, how personal everything is too each child to get the most from everyday.
-Trainee Teacher
"To all teachers and staff. Thank you so much for everything you have done for my daughter."
- Parent
"Very impressed with the energy and passion of the staff! Very dedicated team."
- Dance Teacher
Staff have worked hard to develop an understanding of each child and to ensure they develop into successful young people
-IQM Assessor
"We’ve noticed our son’s progress since he’s been here. He’s speaking in longer sentences and we don’t have as many melt downs. Well done team!"
- Parent
Ambition and high expectations are in evidence throughout the academy and children, staff and families have risen to this challenge.
-IQM Assessor
Discovery is a very friendly person centered school where every member of staff is passionate about meeting the needs of every child and progressing them onto their future.
-Trainee Teacher
Photographs in classrooms and corridors capture children deeply engaged in their learning and wider experiences.
-IQM Assessor
"I am really pleased with the progress my son has made since attending Discovery, he has come on in leaps and bounds and looks forward to going to school on a morning."
- Parent
"The staff at the academy do an amazing job. My son has come on so much in just his first term here."
- Parent
Celebration assembly demonstrated the flexible, responsive approach and the family spirit.
-IQM Assessor
"I cannot praise them enough. Every member of staff we have come across has been amazing, The best school by far for children with special/complex needs."
- Parent
The positive attendance trends at Discovery Special Academy.
-IQM Assessor
The children are blessed to have staff like that. All they want is for your child to succeed.
-Parent
I had the best day. The kids are gorgeous and the teachers and staff are so organised, just perfect. Just how it should be!
-Supply Teacher
I think it is lovely how each staff member understands each child. There is an amazing atmosphere and the environment is key.
-Trainee Teacher
The staff at Discovery genuinely care about their students well-being and their happiness and that shines through
-Parent
I wouldn’t have my child anywhere else, we all love Discovery
-Parent
This is a place where children are safe, want to be and want to learn.
-IQM Assessor
I love how much my child has come on since joining Discovery
-Parent
Discovery Special Academy is an amazing school, it caters for children and their individual specific needs with that extra caring touch
-Parent
She loves going to school and the progress she has made is fantastic, the communication and support is brilliant for not only my child but as a family too
-Parent
The school is amazing and before my son attended he couldn’t do all the things he can now, and as a Dad I am very happy
-Parent
The relationship between the staff and pupils is kind, caring and patient. The staff go above and beyond to cater to every child's needs.
-Trainee Teacher
I couldn’t be happier with my child’s progress since starting at Discovery
-Parent
When we started visiting Discovery Academy with our dogs we weren't sure what to expect or how the dogs would take to it. The staff have been so lovely and welcoming. The reaction of the children has been amazing. The school is totally inspirational. Each week when we drive away we know we have made a difference to those children's lives and are very proud of our dogs.
-Lynne and Paul (Therapy Dogs Nationwide)
My son is learning new things everyday.
-Parent
I honestly cant' thank the staff enough, they are all amazing.
-Parent
Well that was an amazing session. We were both blown away by the children, staff and school.
-Lynne (Therapy Dogs Nationwide)
It is clear at Discovery that the adults and children have mutual respect and adoration for each other
-Trainee Teacher
Every day when I drop my child off and pick him up I see all of the staff smiling, the children are all smiling, staff and children are interacting with each other so lovely, everybody who I speak to is so kind and helpful and I can see the love and care that everyone has for the children, I am so happy that my child comes to this school.
-Parent
Dave and I really enjoyed teaching the children. All the classes were happy and well mannered with some good swimmers too. Staff were very professional at all times and that showed in the children's ability to learn. We hope that you enjoyed the lessons and would love to see you back in September.
-Dave and Dianne (Ashgrove Lodge)
My child had a great night 10pm that's the earliest she has gone to sleep with no fuss till 7.30am this morning. She did not want to get up this morning. I can't thank you enough for your support that's the best nights sleep I've had in 2 years. Thank you so much for all of your schools support. Massive thank you to the lady and the driver who picks my child up they are amazing they make my child and me feel so comfortable sends her into school. Thank you.
-Parent
Thank you so much for making my visit so memorable. It was a real pleasure to come and share my books with the pupils. They were all wonderful and should be very proud of themselves. It was such an honour to see them doing activities inspired by my books - and it warmed my heart to see how inclusive the school is.
-Author from our visit
I am so happy. My child said two words to me for the first time today. Thank you very much to all the wonderful teachers.
-Parent
Since starting Discovery, I feel all of his needs have been met. He is settled at home and relaxed.
-Parent
We can't believe the difference in just a few weeks of being at Discovery.
-Parent
We have noticed such a positive difference at home, they are sleeping better. Thank you.
-Parent
