Welcome to the primary provision at Meadows School in Tunbridge Wells. Our primary provision is part of our lower school.  We offer a small, welcoming and nurturing environment where pupils are supported individually to develop academically, socially and emotionally.

Classes have up to eight pupils and are organised according to age, individual needs and learning style. Each class has a teacher and learning support assistant (LSA), enabling us to provide the support, consistency and individual attention our pupils need.

Some pupils learn best through play-based and practical activities, while others benefit from a more structured approach. We adapt our teaching to meet pupils where they are, helping them to feel secure, enjoy learning and make progress.

Our parents and carers describe Meadows as a place where their children feel happy and supported:

Meadows has been amazing for our son. He has improved so much and thoroughly enjoys going to school now and has made some lovely friends; the staff are all lovely and very helpful and supportive! I love the positive attitude that the school gives out! Thank you, Meadows!

 

Welcoming and heart-warming.

Our school day

The school day begins at 08:45, when pupils can enjoy our free Breakfast Club, with a range of food options available.

Mornings have a consistent structure, with Maths and English taught each day. This helps pupils begin their learning calmly and provides the routine many of our children need, while giving them strong foundations in reading, writing and numeracy.

Free hot lunches are provided for all pupils and these will take place in our main school dining room at a early time dedicated to our younger pupils. 

Pupils leave school from 15:15 Monday to Thursday, with an earlier finish at 13:35 on Fridays.

Following each school holiday, the first day of the new term begins at 11:00.

Our curriculum

Our primary pupils follow the National Curriculum, adapted to meet their individual needs, abilities and interests. As a non-maintained special school, we have the flexibility to shape learning around our pupils and give appropriate emphasis to communication, social development, independence and preparation for later life.

Alongside daily Maths and English, pupils study science, art, music, design and technology, humanities, food studies, PE, PSHCE and ICT. Topic-based learning brings subjects together through themes such as the Victorians, Vikings, Tudors and Ancient Greeks, as well as rivers and mountains, Europe and the deep sea.

Learning is child-centred, interactive and practical. We want pupils not only to develop academically, but also to build their confidence, curiosity, communication skills and independence.

Learning beyond the classroom is an important part of life at Meadows. Pupils enjoy regular educational visits and trips, including weekly visits to Woodside Farm, giving them opportunities to experience different environments, develop practical skills and put their learning into context.

Technology is used to support learning where appropriate, alongside interactive, practical and paper-based approaches. We recognise that every pupil learns differently and adapt accordingly.

Well-being and pastoral support

Strong relationships are at the heart of our approach. Staff get to know each pupil well, helping us understand what enables them to feel safe, engage in learning and make progress.

Clear routines and visual timetables help pupils understand and prepare for the different parts of their day. Pupils also have access to the school’s Well-being Services, providing additional support according to their individual needs.

We work closely with parents and carers and see these relationships as an important part of helping pupils settle, develop and thrive.

Joining Meadows

We understand that starting a new school can feel daunting, particularly for children who find change difficult.

New pupils are therefore supported through a carefully planned transition, with opportunities to visit, meet staff and pupils and become familiar with their new environment. Transition is tailored to the individual child, with additional time and support provided where needed.

Our aim is for pupils to feel safe, understood and part of the Meadows community from the beginning.

Moving through Meadows

Being together on one site means pupils can become familiar with the wider Meadows community as they grow, while continuing to receive the nurturing environment and support appropriate to their age and needs.

We know that change can feel overwhelming for some of our pupils, so the transition from lower to middle school is introduced gradually and thoughtfully.

Small taster sessions increase over time, allowing pupils to become familiar with different staff, routines and learning spaces at a pace that works for them. Where a pupil needs a slower or more supported transition, we develop a personalised transition plan around their individual needs.

Progress at Meadows is about more than academic achievement. We want our pupils to grow personally as well as academically, developing the confidence, resilience, independence and skills they need for the next stage of their lives.

Our ambition is that every pupil feels they belong at Meadows, recognises what they can achieve and moves forward feeling happy, confident and ready for what comes next.