The Meadows School

The Meadows Sports College is one of Sandwell's four special schools and is the only secondary 11-19 school that meets the needs of students with complex, profound and multiple learning difficulties, associated communication and language difficulties and challenging behaviours. Many of our students also have acute medical needs. We were awarded Specialist Sports College status in September 2006, we are also a Full Service Extended School and participate in the Extended School Code of Practice (ESCOP) national pilot scheme. Since 2003 the new school building has continued to provide for students with a wide range of needs including physical disabilities, autism, sensory impairment, and complex medical needs. We therefore, have the ability to provide educational and social opportunities well in advance of the demands of the Disability Discrimination Act (2002). This is enhanced by achieving Sports College Status. The school is currently participating in the 14-19 curriculum developments through liaison with national bodies. These curriculum developments include: Focusing on personalised learning Developing accreditation (ASDAN, AQA, NSP, OCR). Becoming an accredited centre to deliver UK Sports Leaders Awards And the Every Child Matters Agenda. We provide opportunities for education, advice and support for students, both within and out of school, their families and the local community by means of a multi-agency approach. As an extended school we are a member of the Extended Schools Core Offer Trailblazers Cooperative which involves collaboration between secondary and primary schools to further extend schools provision locally. We are developing our role as a resource for specific expertise for a wide range of professionals and governors as a centre for training advice and support on special needs related matters. The Meadows Sports College has developed its well-regarded practice for integrating students with physical disabilities and wider additional special needs over a number of years. It is well placed to continue to provide for students with an increased range of additional needs. We are also continuing to develop our programme of integrating students into mainstream schools where appropriate.