Cherry Tree School is a DfE-registered, independent specialist day school in Blackburn, Lancashire. We provide a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment in which pupils are encouraged to build resilience, develop independence and achieve their full potential.

As a specialist SEN school in Blackburn, our education and support are adapted around the individual needs, abilities and starting points of each pupil.

Cherry Tree School provides education for children and young people aged 5 to 16 years.

Our provision supports pupils across the primary and secondary age ranges, with learning adapted to each child’s age, ability, needs and previous educational experiences.

We support pupils with a range of needs, including:

• Social, emotional and mental health needs
• Autism
• Cognition and learning needs
• Communication difficulties

Each potential placement is considered individually. Before offering a place, we must be confident that Cherry Tree School can meet the child’s needs effectively and provide an appropriate environment in which they can succeed.

We understand that some pupils may have experienced disrupted education, gaps in learning or difficulty engaging within previous school settings.

Our approach combines consistent routines, positive relationships, personalised learning and high-quality support. We work to remove academic, emotional and social barriers so pupils can rebuild trust, rediscover their confidence and develop a more positive relationship with education.

Cherry Tree School also works in partnership with Prosperity Children’s Services to provide therapeutic wrap-around support. This enhances our trauma-informed and trauma-responsive approach, helping pupils feel safe and secure enough to access learning.

Yes. Cherry Tree School does not take a one-size-fits-all approach.

Teaching, support and learning programmes are adapted around each pupil’s individual needs, interests, abilities and starting points. This may include revisiting gaps in learning, adjusting the pace or presentation of lessons and providing additional support to help the pupil participate successfully.

Our broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and differentiated where appropriate to reflect individual needs and interests.

Alongside academic subjects, pupils have opportunities to develop careers awareness, independence, enterprise skills, communication, wellbeing and practical skills for life.

The curriculum is designed to provide the knowledge, experiences and skills pupils need for further education, employment, participation in their community and adult life.

Cherry Tree School maintains high expectations for every pupil. Depending on their individual abilities, needs and learning pathway, pupils may work towards qualifications including:

• Functional Skills
• GCSEs
• GCSE-equivalent qualifications
• Other appropriate academic or vocational accreditation

Our aim is for pupils to leave school with meaningful qualifications, useful experiences and the skills they need for their next stage.

Parents and carers receive an annual report detailing their child’s progress and attainment.

Results from GCSEs or equivalent external qualifications will also be reported directly to the parents and carers of the pupils concerned. Because only a small number of pupils may sit public examinations in a particular year, results will not be published online where this could identify individual pupils.

Parents, carers and professionals are welcome to make an initial enquiry. However, all formal referrals must be made directly by the pupil’s local authority.

The referral information will be considered carefully to determine whether Cherry Tree School may be able to meet the child’s needs. Where the school believes the provision could be suitable, arrangements will be made for the child and their parent or carer to visit.

Yes. Parents and carers are welcome to contact us to learn more about the school or discuss whether Cherry Tree may be a suitable setting.

A formal referral must still be submitted by the child’s local authority. Parents and carers considering Cherry Tree School should therefore also speak with their local authority or the professional coordinating their child’s education.

Yes. Local authority referrals can be made at any point throughout the year.

Whether a placement can be offered will depend on the child’s individual needs, the suitability of the school’s provision and the availability of an appropriate place.

Where initial information suggests that Cherry Tree School may be able to meet a child’s needs, the child and their parent or carer will be invited to visit.

The visit provides an opportunity to see the school, meet members of staff, discuss the child’s particular needs and learn more about the education and support available.

Every referral is considered individually.

The school must be confident that it can meet the child’s educational and wider support needs effectively. We will also consider whether the proposed placement is likely to be positive and successful for the child and the existing school community.

Information may be gathered from the local authority, family, current school and other professionals involved with the child.

Every pupil receives a personalised admission programme to support a smooth transition into Cherry Tree School.

Arrangements will reflect the pupil’s individual needs and could include additional visits, opportunities to meet key staff, a gradual introduction to school routines and regular communication between the school, family and professionals.

Once a placement is agreed, the school and local authority will confirm the start date, contractual arrangements, fees and transport provision where appropriate.

Pupils have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy breakfast when they arrive at school, providing a calm start to the day and time to socialise safely with pupils and staff.

School lunch is also provided, with a range of choices and opportunities to experience different foods, including dishes connected to cultures, religions, festivals and celebrations.

Pupils are expected to wear:

• A Cherry Tree or plain white polo shirt
• A Cherry Tree or plain black sweatshirt jumper
• Black trousers
• Smart, plain black footwear

For PE, pupils should have plain black shorts or jogging bottoms, a plain white T-shirt and plimsolls or training shoes.

The school provides equipment and stationery, including a pencil case and home-school diary. Pupils should not bring money, jewellery, personal items, mobile phones, food or drink into school.

Cherry Tree School has a medical room and secure facilities for storing medication.

Staff complete Basic First Aid Training as part of their induction and undertake refresher training every three years. Nominated members of staff are trained to administer prescribed medication, which is recorded and stored securely.

Where required, an individual risk assessment will be prepared, agreed with the pupil’s parents or carers and implemented by the school.

Safeguarding is central to everything we do.

Cherry Tree School follows national safeguarding guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education. The school has a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, while all staff receive safeguarding and child protection training that is refreshed annually.

Pupils, parents, carers and members of staff are encouraged to share any concern about a child’s welfare, however small it may seem.

Cherry Tree is also a “telling school”. Bullying is not tolerated, and concerns are addressed promptly, sensitively and proactively.