The new resource base, called Arcadia, specialises in Communication and Interaction and will provide bespoke support for young people who have speech, language and communication needs.
It forms part of Ormiston NEW Academy and Ormiston Academies Trust’s commitment to inclusive education and supporting children whose needs are greatest. Delivered in conjunction with the City of Wolverhampton Council, it is part of a regional pilot which has introduced specialist provisions within mainstream secondary schools across the city.
As part of the innovative provision, students will be able to access tailored support from specialist teaching staff across the secondary, primary, and special education sectors to help them learn successfully and thrive in a mainstream classroom. Arcadia will allow the young learners to access a mainstream secondary curriculum alongside their peers, but with the support of targeted interventions to meet individual communication, literacy, numeracy, and sensory needs.
The opening of the resource base marks another addition to Ormiston Academies Trust’s approach to inclusive education, with nearby Ormiston SWB Academy developing an in-house alternative provision (AP) which has successfully supported students at risk of exclusion to thrive in the classroom.
Craig Cooling, Principal at Ormiston NEW Academy, said: “We are very pleased to be opening Arcadia, which builds on our commitment to providing the very best educational opportunities for all students.
“We’ve already seen hugely positive benefits for our students through this provision, and we’re looking forward to seeing even more of our students access this tailored support and expert teaching, helping them to thrive as young individuals.”
Wasim Butt, National Director of Alternative Provision and Special Academies at Ormiston Academies Trust, said: “Ormiston Academies Trust has always been committed to supporting students from all backgrounds to achieve their full potential, and the bespoke provision available at Ormiston NEW Academy is a core part of this.
“We are incredibly proud of this partnership with Wolverhampton City Council and are ambitious about the effective support the Arcadia will bring for our students, helping them to thrive in their education in mainstream classrooms.”