Vision

To redefine what’s possible for every Autistic child through leading practices, partnerships and heart.

Our practices reflect our collective drive to ensure every autistic child achieves meaningful success, without limits on their future aspirations. To be a school where special truly  happens. We are committed to building a leading curriculum that offers rich opportunities, purposeful experiences, and the highest expectations for all. This will be achieved through effective training and ongoing support in evidence-based autism practices, including TEACCH, Attention Autism, and a Total Communication approach, ensuring staff have the expertise needed to deliver exceptional provision.  By maintaining the highest standards of teaching, learning, and achievement, we will continue to provide an inclusive and individualised curriculum that enables every autistic child to thrive and succeed.

At our school, we recognise that transforming lives means going the extra mile in all that we do, building strong and purposeful partnerships at every level. Partnerships begin within each classroom, where every child is truly known and understood, with targets clearly articulated and progress carefully monitored. To ensure consistency and collaboration, every class is supported through our pathway system and a dedicated middle leader, who works closely with staff and in turn is supported by the senior leadership team. Beyond the school, we work closely with other OHCAT schools to ensure the highest quality of provision in key areas such as careers, literacy, and maths. Our partnerships with families are central to everything we do, underpinned by a clear family strategy detailing the universal, targeted, and specific support available. Within the local community and beyond, we actively support colleagues and advocate for our children, establishing ourselves as a recognised provider of leading practices in the field.

Our school culture is built on the belief that every student, family and member of staff is known, valued and respected as an individual, creating a positive, kind and inspirational environment for all. We hold high aspirations for our pupils, supported through detailed pupil profiles and personalised learning plans that reflect who they are and what they need to thrive. We plan for strong attendance in school because our students and families know us, trust us and feel safe in our community. Staff turnover remains remarkably low, reflecting the commitment and shared sense of purpose that binds us together. As a school, we aim to be difference makers; placing the emotional, social and physical well-being of all at the centre of our work. Alongside our  bespoke curriculum, we provide a wide range of supportive therapeutic interventions including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, canine assisted learning, drama and music therapy, rebound therapy and the AVA farm, ensuring every child receives the holistic support they deserve

Values

Wellbeing.   Independance.  Communication.  Achievement.

Our provision and curriculum are grounded in a communication-led, positive-behaviour model. This approach incorporates therapeutic practices, sensory integration, and tailored support that enable students to access both the core and wider curriculum, helping them make sense of the world around them.

Wellbeing – We prioritise the physical and emotional wellbeing of our students and their families.

Independence – We equip students with the skills and confidence they need to prepare for adulthood and thrive beyond their time at Addington Valley Academy.

Communication – We ensure every student can express their wants, needs, and views, empowering them to advocate for themselves.

When students are supported to reach their full potential in Wellbeing, Independence, and Communication, they are able to accomplish meaningful and lasting Achievement.