Head Teacher’s Welcome
Hello, and welcome to Expanse Learning Wigan School,
It is a privilege to welcome you onto our website and I feel very fortunate to be the Head Teacher here at ELWS.
Our school was founded in September 2018 with the single intent to provide a structured, calm, welcoming and nurturing environment for students at secondary school age who require or are in the process of acquiring an Education Health & Care Plan. Our successes have been recognised in our latest OFSTED report which states:
‘Learning is supported effectively, and pupils achieve well over time.’
M.A, NPQH, NASENCO, PGCE
At ELWS, every student we welcome into our school community gets a fresh start. They are made to feel welcome by our highly trained staff who create a calm environment within which students tell us they feel safe and happy.
‘Pupils are happy and confident learners.’
Many of our students and their families have had negative experiences of education to date. Often, this is due to a variety of reasons related to a Special Education Need such as Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, ADHD, and/or as a result of a combination of factors related to Social, Emotional Mental Health needs such as high levels of anxiety related to the school environment. We support children from a variety of backgrounds aged 11-16 including children who are looked after.
‘Along with highly effective pastoral support for pupils, the delivery of the curriculum helps pupils to re-engage with education.’
Our aim is to use the prescribed measures of support contained in each child’s Education Health & Care Plan to break down barriers to learning and give our students the best possible learning environments within which to grow, progress and succeed.
‘They (the school) use information in pupils’ education, health and care plans carefully to help meet the pupils’ needs.’
Our curriculum is broad and balanced and offers students many different aspects related to personal and social development, vocational and enrichment activities alongside our core academic subjects.
‘Learning is enriched through a wide range of opportunities ……. Leaders have developed an interesting and ambitious curriculum.’
Class sizes are small, and we support our students social and emotional needs in relation to confidence, resilience, character, social communication and interaction how to keep themselves safe amongst many other aspects.
‘There is a strong emphasis on helping pupils to understand their emotions. This helps them to manage their behaviour and become responsible members of society.’
Below you will find a link to our prospectus and an interactive 3D tour of our school, please do take some time to have a wander round!
Thank you for reading my welcome letter, my door is always open to any members of our school community and I welcome feedback in all its forms related to our setting.
Yours Sincerely
Ed Hanley
Head Teacher Expanse Learning Wigan School
