Special Educational Needs and our Local Offer - Nigel Bowes

Nigel Bowes Academy is a special school supporting young people from the age of 5-11 who present with Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties, associated with a range of special educational needs, including autism. We are an oversubscribed school, supporting around 50 children on roll. We welcome children who reside in Dorset and Hampshire, with the majority of our children living in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole conurbation. Our children have Educational, Health Care Plans or are in the process of receiving one. We also support a small number of children who will be placed by the Local Authority whilst waiting for a placement in a special school or to transition back to mainstream education.

Typically, there are 7 children per class and we have high staffing levels to support our children. Although small, our building is modern, light, with wide corridors, giving a sense of space whilst maintaining the community feel we pride ourselves on. Our school sits next to the expansive community outdoor space Slades Farm, providing the school with a variety of community facilities along with views and the tranquillity of the natural environment.

children have access to a range of school spaces including purpose-built classrooms, a sensory room, multi-sensory gym, therapy hub, quiet reflection rooms, food technology kitchen, library, sports hall, two outdoor play areas, a large playground, an outdoor learning area and a courtyard garden. We also have modern and up-to-date IT facilities including child laptops and interactive display boards in every classroom.

Our school is a calm and nurturing place for young people to thrive. Our Resilient, Safe and Respectful mantra can be seen in all aspects of school life and forms the basis of everything we do. We provide full access to the National Curriculum and our school day is modelled on a ‘traditional’ primary school timetable whilst being flexible and responsive to the needs of all our children.

Our SEND information report can be found in the documents section of the website.