Assistant Headteacher

Pond Meadow Academy Trust is an outstanding special school where staff have high expectations and ambition for all children and young people. We are committed to best preparing pupils from the moment they join us for life beyond school, which is reflected in our vision and values.

The school is situated in Bellfields, a suburb in the north of Guildford. We provide education for Surrey children from 3-19 with with ASD (Autism, Communication and Interaction Needs) and/or Severe Learning Disabilities.

We are dedicated to ensuring that the individual needs of every child/young person who attends Pond Meadow are recognised and pupils are taught in the way in which they learn best. Our progressive and responsive curriculum addresses the needs of all learners, particularly around points of transition, as does key investment in teacher and staff development.

We use a range of evidenced teaching approaches and strategies at different stages of learning that reflect the way our pupils learn. Our classes are structured to promote communication, emotional regulation, self-help and independence. Our staff have expert knowledge in specialist strategies including TEACCH, Attention Autism, PECS, Bricks for Autism and Intensive Interaction.

If you are looking for a specialist provision for your son or daughter, then please do come and visit us or explore this website further. As a parent/carer we welcome your contribution to our work and look forward to a close relationship with you. We offer families support, information, training and practical help.

"This is such a happy school where staff are focused on ‘Equipping Learners for Life’. They care deeply about their pupils, all of whom have complex needs and barriers to learning. Staff understand pupils’ individual needs, strengths, talents and interests. They know what pupils need and when. As a result, pupils make exceptional progress in all areas of their education. Ultimately, they are prepared well for what the future holds." Ofsted June 2023

You are very much welcomed to arrange a visit to see learning in action. The atmosphere at our school is truly unique – it is a community that is welcoming, caring and inspiring.

Emily Hayward
Headteacher and CEO

Our vision and direction have been agreed by the entire school community and keep everyone focused on what we are trying to achieve for all our pupils.

High aspirations for every child/young person are at the heart of Pond Meadow’s vision, values and curriculum. The education we provide is learner driven, meaningful and strongly focuses on preparing pupils for life.

Our school values guide our thinking, underpin all that we do to work towards our vision and form the foundations of our curriculum: Learning, Respect, Equality and Independence. Our values sit well within Ofsted's framework which has a strong focus on Intent (design and sequencing of the curriculum), Implementation (through classroom teaching) and Impact (achievement of pupils).

Vision: Equipping our learners for life

Learning: Teaching the way pupils learn - Intent
Respect: For everyone, everyday - Implementation
Equality: Investing in opportunities for all - Implementation
Independence: Prioritising skills for life - Impact

Learning Teaching the way pupils learn
Respect For everyone, everyday
Equality Investing in opportunities for all
Independence Prioritising skills for life