Ipswich
School
Located in central Ipswich, our new school offers a safe and supportive environment for young people aged between 5 and 18 with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties (SEMH). Our
young people may also have several diagnoses including ASD, ADHD, FASD, anxiety and/or, communication and interaction, cognition, and learning needs.
Our vision is to provide a nurturing learning environment where young people can thrive, feel supported, safe and are then able to leave school happy with relevant experiences and outcomes to enable them to contribute to the wider community.
Our main goal in education is to help young people to reach their full potential. At Polaris we recognise the importance of specialist education and support for young people who need a tailored approach to learning.
Passionate about education
With an opening target date of Easter 2026 (pending Ofsted Registration), we are pleased to introduce our new education provision based in central Ipswich. Dating back to the 18th Century, our historic site provides the perfect back drop for a nurturing and supportive learning environment.
At our school, we believe in the power of environment to shape young minds, that’s why we have carefully designed and presented every aspect of our school from the general teaching rooms to specialised spaces, library and reading areas, to our multipurpose room and communal areas. All our classrooms are furnished to the highest standard with state-of-the-art IT facilities and a wide range of engaging learning resources. These facilities enable us to deliver a comprehensive positive educational experience that aligns with the National Curriculum while also offering tailored learning opportunities to meet the diverse and challenging needs of our pupils.
Our approach to education is rooted in a deep passion for providing high-quality, aspirational learning experiences tailored to each child’s individual needs. We understand that each pupil is unique, which is why we offer personalized learning programs tailored to their individual needs. Our holistic approach ensures that therapeutic principles are seamlessly integrated into every aspect of our educational practices, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for all children
- Small carefully matched groupings of up to 6 children per class, along with dedicated teaching staff and support from Teaching Assistants, we ensure that every child receives the attention and care they deserve.
- Staff are fully trained and proficient in implementing therapeutic communication models to foster positive interactions and promote social and emotional well-being among pupils.
- Within the Polaris Community we have 11 SEN schools across the UK who work together to provide each pupil with a tailored, diverse and appropriate education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning and encourages achievement.
- Our schools offer safe learning areas for our younger pupils to ensure they are able to thrive and grow while receiving high quality teaching based on the National Curriculum. Teachers adapt the pupils learning to suit their ability and needs. We want to make sure that our pupils, regardless of age feel welcome and secure throughout the school day.
- The staff team are well equipped and trained to support children with a range of needs, seeking support and guidance from a range of internal and external professionals.
Our Approach
Our Polaris schools use the Polaris Education’s COSMIC (Child- Orientated Systemic Mentalisation with Integrated Communication) model, designed to support children with SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health), ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and other complex needs. We understand the children we support often struggle with connection, communication, and relationships, which can negatively impact their learning and life chances. Our comprehensive approach equips both staff and students with the necessary skills, knowledge, tools and practices to foster connection, communication, and growth within a nurturing and inclusive school environment.
COSMIC is supported by:
• Child Centred Framework Placing the child at the core of all our efforts. By understanding and nurturing each child’s unique inner world, constellation of relationships and psychological development, we help them build a strong sense of self-worth and identity.
• Understanding and Responding to Needs Dedicated to deeply understanding the unique needs, behaviours, and challenges faced by each child.
• Integrated Communication and Emotional Support Inclusive communication with approaches such as Language that Cares, recognising that all behaviour is communication.
• Holistic and Inclusive School Culture A whole-community approach that creates a nurturing and
inclusive school culture. Our environment is designed to make every child feel valued, supported,
and secure.
• Expert-Led and Trauma Informed Practice Developed by our Head of Therapy, who is grounded
in expert-led, trauma-informed practice. Our team of specialists, including psychotherapists,
psychologists, and speech and language therapists, provide ongoing training and support to our staff.
I honestly feel like we have won the school lottery with Ormston. What an amazing school already, with such amazing staff who go above and beyond. I have to pinch myself sometimes as we never thought school could exist, let alone have our child attend.
Parent
We love this school. We know our child is safe and is less worried. We love how much he is learning. He is so happy.
Parent
It is so lovely to see our child happy in school – he is a different boy! Staff are so lovely, approachable and have amazing relationships.
Parent
Proprietor
Polaris Children’s Services
Chair: Jo August
Malvern View
Saxon Business Park, Hanbury Road,
Stoke Prior
Bromsgrove, B60 4AD
Unique reference number 150968
DfE registration number 383/6020
Part of the Polaris Community
Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as Leaving Care services, Education and bespoke children’s services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for each and every child in our care. We’re ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and believe in their futures.
Get in Touch
If you’d like to get in touch with us, please fill in the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
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Address
11 Fore Street,
Ipswich,
Suffolk,
IP4 1JW
URN: 150968
DfE Registration Number: 383/6020
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