
Get in Touch
- Academy Type: Alternative Provision (AP) Academy
- Principal & Main Contact: Tessa Claridge - Principal
- Senior Administrator: Kate Crooks
- Careers Leader: Javier Martin - jmartin@waveedu.org
- Designated Safeguarding Lead: Tessa Claridge-tclaridge@waveedu.org
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Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Alan Tozer - atozer@waveedu.org
Paul Giles-Phillips- pgiles-phillips@waveedu.org - Address: Stansfield Academy. Falcon Road, Exeter. EX2 7LB. United Kingdom
- Phone: 01392 445446
- Email: stansfield@waveedu.org
- Opening Times: Mon-Thu 0845-1430, Fri 0845-1300, 27.25 hours per week
ÌìÃÀapp
Stansfield Academy is an Alternative Provision Academy providing full time education for children from 4-16 years of age. We cover Central Devon including Exeter, East Devon and Mid Devon and work closely with Devon County Council to ensure a swift transition both into and out of the Academy to minimise the impact of any transition on the learning of those young people.
Careers information:
Stansfield Provider Access Policy
Follow us on Twitter to see the wonderful things we get up to at Stansfield Academy:
@StansfieldAcad1
Staff
Tessa Claridge
Principal and SENCo
Tessa has been in education for over 20 years. Starting her career in further education and holding various senior leadership roles, Head of Department in Surrey, Head of College in Cornwall and as Head of Education and Pastoral Operations in Oxfordshire.
Tessa has used her varied experiences to inspire learners from different backgrounds, ages, and abilities to achieve and engage in education. Now as Principal of Stansfield Academy Tessa will be looking to bring her drive and passion to ensure an excellent student experience. In her spare time, Tessa likes to spend time with her family and dogs.
Paul Giles-Phillips
Vice Principal
Paul is the Vice Principal at Stansfield Academy. He has worked in a variety of educational settings over the last 15 years through subject teaching, pastoral support, behaviour management and Leadership.
He is an experienced Leader supporting both Pastoral and Academic needs. For the past 5 years Paul has been leading in a large special school, supporting behaviour and teaching and learning.
Paul is committed to working with all stakeholders: Learners, families and staff, to ensure everyone has the right to access a safe and effective learning environment where everyone can realise their potential whatever their starting point is.
Our Curriculum at Stansfield
At Stansfield we aim to create an environment where everyone can feel safe and nurtured, enabling them to grow and develop together.
Underpinned by our Trust values, we aim to develop resilience, confidence, curiosity, creativity, social skills, self-belief, improved outcomes and an understanding of global and local issues.
Our strong focus on identifying, understanding and meeting individual Special Educational Needs and Speech, Language and Communication needs, alongside a secure knowledge of prior learning of our students and any gaps in learning, ensure our students access appropriate planned work, activities and experiences to maximise their progress and growth in all aspects of their lives.
All students are encouraged to access topical opportunities which arise throughout the year, such as writing and delivering a live radio show, learning a new skill such as climbing or horse-riding, trips to the theatre and the Donkey Sanctuary and Zoos, swimming, football tournaments, army team-building to name a few.
Primary
In primary, pupils broadly follow the KS1 and 2 National Curriculum objectives for English and Maths, RHE and the International Primary Curriculum , giving them access to broad learning experiences in a wide variety of subject areas. We use the RWInc and Freshstart SSP programmes to support pupils to learn to read successfully and with fluency.
Reading is taught through the Read Write Inc Systematic Synthetic Phonics validated programme.
We run a 'rolling programme' where pupils are taught in mixed age classes and remain with us for longer than a Year. Ongoing Assessment helps us to find and support gaps in learning. Careful assessment in Maths and Reading, for example, ensures planning supports the curriculum and pupils receive appropriate teaching according to stage; that pupils in mixed year classes are moved forwards in learning, in Science and History, for example-without repeating content or missing out on conceptual knowledge.
Secondary
In secondary our daily Literacy Lounge provides an opportunity to develop oracy and new vocabulary with a view to promoting a love of reading as an end goal. Students study core subjects alongside physical and vocational subjects and art. We also have a strong vocational aspect to our curriculum with many opportunities for work-related learning and work experience, trips to local colleges and employers.
Key Stage 3
We run a 'rolling programme' where pupils are taught in mixed year group classes at Key Stage 3 due to small class numbers, and who may remain with Alternative Provision for longer than a Year. (Though we remain short stay). Our spiral design ensures each pupils receives teaching of the knowledge, understanding and skills within this planning they need from their various starting points. It is flexible and dynamic enough to be able to respond to need in this way- in Maths and Science, for example,-but draws from the National Curriculum. For example, see our Curriculum blog about Science at KS3. See
In Key Stage 3, here is a sample of a typical academic taught curriculum our students may receive - see PDF below. For more information, please contact us.
Key Stage 4
Here are the qualifications we teach at Stansfield Academy, as well as our enriched and PSHE/RSE programme of study and Careers guidance. For more details, please contact us.
We also offer Functional Skills qualifications and Entry Level Certificate 1-3 in English and Maths
We are currently developing Duke of Edinburgh activities and opportunities.
At Stansfield our students know that every day is a fresh start.
Documents
Subject Areas

English & Reading

Maths
Primary Maths
A strong math education lays the foundation for comprehending the world, thinking logically, appreciating the beauty and power of mathematics, and experiencing enjoyment and curiosity in the subject. Our goal is to equip our students with not only the knowledge of math but also the practical applications that allow them to become active and productive members of society.
At Stansfield Academy, we adopt a subject-focused approach to teaching mathematics. We utilise the White Rose Maths curriculum throughout every stage, ensuring consistency in learning through the integration of concrete, visual, and abstract methods. The curriculum also enables students to build on prior knowledge by organising similar units together across the year, providing a platform for further growth and revision in subsequent years.
In key stages 1 and 2, lessons are customised to each student's ability level. They are taught by class teachers through individual or small group instruction, allowing for a more in-depth learning experience.
Classes start with individual revision and practice of core math concepts (addition, subtraction, word problems, etc.). The main learning objective is then covered, including a review of relevant previous knowledge and demonstration of various question types. Students work on adapted tasks, designed to meet their individual ability levels, to achieve the learning objective. Additional challenges come in the form of an extension activity, encouraging students to apply their newfound knowledge and skills in diverse settings, and to explain their answers.
At Stansfield Academy, students are equipped with an array of resources to assist in their learning journey. These resources, such as interlocking cubes, Numicon, and multiplication grids are made readily available to all students in every session to aid in grasping new and varied concepts. We foster a sense of independence among our students by allowing them to select the resources they feel most comfortable with, which in turn, helps boost their confidence and sense of accomplishment in mathematics.

Science

Art & Creativity
Art at Primary phase
At Stansfield Academy, our art and design program strikes a balance between honing practical skills and fostering creativity. We expose students to a diverse range of artistic styles and encourage them to experiment and express themselves through their art. Our curriculum helps students develop their appreciation and evaluation of art, expanding their understanding of personal and collective interpretations of the world. By embracing their individuality through creative expression, students gain confidence in self-expression and acquire the skills necessary to actively engage with the world.
Music at Primary phase
At Stansfield Academy, our music program aims to expose students to a broad range of instruments, both tuned and untuned, and music technology. They will have opportunities to listen to and appreciate music from a variety of composers, genres, and cultures throughout history, and to use music to express their emotions, creativity, and individuality. By engaging in music, students can improve their social skills, such as listening to others and working collaboratively, while also developing their confidence and self-esteem.
For students with a specific interest in music, we aim to offer to help them grow in their musicality and confidence. Our program provides a safe space for students to explore their creativity, express their emotions through music, and learn about the positive impact that music can have on their mental health and well-being.

DT & Vocational

Humanities
History at Primary phase
At Stansfield Academy, the history curriculum fosters curiosity and critical thinking, enabling students to build a deeper understanding of the present by engaging with the past. It promotes social and cultural diversity and encourages students to make informed judgements based on different arguments. The curriculum values tolerance and respect, and provides students with the opportunity to learn from history.
Key Stage 1 and 2 students study early civilizations and the development of the UK through invasion and conquest. The curriculum emphasises the skills of a historian, such as thinking, researching, analysing, and communicating. By analysing historical events and the lives of people in the past, students develop skills to engage with the world with respect and tolerance.
Geography at Primary phase
Geography is an inquiry-based subject that encourages students to understand the world around them and their place in it. At Stansfield Academy, we aim to foster a lifelong fascination with geography and promote understanding of diverse places, people, and environments, including physical and human processes. Current events such as climate change, war, and the energy crisis are crucial for students to learn about and respond to.
Our curriculum is delivered in both cross-curricular and stand alone lessons. Learning outcomes are clear and assessed regularly to ensure students are making progress. Quizzes are used to aid retention of new information. Outcomes are documented in books, showcasing a well-rounded curriculum and students' acquisition of key knowledge and skills. These skills are transferable to other subjects and enhance students' understanding of the world and their role in it.
RE at Primary phase
Religious Education at Stansfield Academy prepares students for a multi-cultural, global world by offering a comprehensive, diverse curriculum that builds awareness of various faith and belief systems, both in the UK and beyond. Students develop an understanding of the impact of religious beliefs on behaviour, appearance, and culture, promoting sensitivity and consideration towards others. Through studying major religions and lesser-known faiths, students become knowledgeable of religious symbols and practices, reinforced by visits to places of worship. Discussions, debates, and examination of different religious views enable students to articulate their own beliefs and values. The Religious Education curriculum covers all Key Stages and is taught weekly, following the Devon and Torbay Agreed Syllabus in Key Stages 1 and 2. The aim of Religious Education is to support spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development and foster an understanding of British values.

PE & Outdoor Learning
Primary PE
Stansfield Academy prioritises the diverse needs of the children in its Physical Education. Our goal is to expand students' understanding of PE and its real-world applications, fostering positive attitudes towards competition through engaging activities. We strive to promote a healthy lifestyle and improve communication skills through group and partner work.
In Key Stage 1 and 2, fundamental skills and holistic learning behaviours such as personal, social, cognitive, creative, physical, and health and fitness are developed and reinforced through the PE curriculum. Physical Education is taught to class groups from Year 3 to Year 6 as a standalone subject, with skills building upon each year for personalised progression.
Physical Education classes utilise both indoor and outdoor facilities, with units taught by class teachers. Our focus is on building confidence in Physical Education, demonstrating that it encompasses more than just team sports and winning. Each lesson is tailored to the students by the teacher and teaching assistants support students to feel comfortable and confident in the learning. As students progress through the school, they will further develop fundamental skills and social communication behaviours through team games and activities, with opportunities to discover new physical interests and hobbies in their environment.

PSHCE
PSHCE at Primary phase
At Stansfield Academy, our PSHCE curriculum provides meaningful and relevant experiences for students, with a strong focus on emotional literacy, resilience-building, and overall mental and physical well-being. We strive to integrate PSHCE into all aspects of our students' personal and academic growth, helping them gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their individuality. Our PSHCE curriculum is personalized to each student's needs, ensuring that any gaps in learning due to transitions or absences are covered. Our teachers tailor lessons to the students' learning preferences, academic level, and use additional resources as needed.
We have high expectations for student progress and achievement in PSHCE and by the end of KS2 they will have developed the emotional language needed to express their feelings and empathise with others, supporting their mental and physical health. PSHCE skills and knowledge are built upon each year through the PSHCE Association program, preparing students for successful integration into society and providing direction for their future as they enter adulthood.
Please find a link to a copy of our Relationship and Sex Education policy here

Personal Development: Enrichment & Engagement
Latest News
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Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy
Stansfield Academy recognises that the safety and welfare of children is paramount and that we have a responsibility to protect children in all of our academy activities. We take all reasonable steps to ensure, through appropriate procedures and training, that all children, irrespective of sex, age, disability, race, religion or belief, sexual identity or social status, are protected from abuse.
We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow procedures to ensure that children and young people receive effective support, protection and justice.
We listen to our pupils and take seriously whet they tell us, children are aware of the adults they can talk to if they have a concern. When there are concerns for a child's welfare, we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies. We will ensure concerns are discussed with parents/.carers first unless we have reason to believe that by doing so would be contrary to the child's welfare.
Our Child Protection and Safeguarding policy underpins and guides our safeguarding procedures and protocols.
Link to further Safeguarding information