--- title: "Aims, Vision and Ethos" url: "https://foxwood.academy/about-us/aims-vision-and-ethos" school: "Foxwood Academy" --- # Aims, Vision and Ethos # Our Vision, Values and Ethos ## Our Vision At Foxwood Academy, we believe that every child and young person deserves an ambitious, meaningful education that prepares them for life. We are a specialist school for children and young people aged 4–18 with a wide range of learning needs. We recognise that every pupil is different, with their own strengths, aspirations and challenges. Our responsibility is to understand those differences, remove barriers to learning and provide the opportunities and support that enable every pupil to thrive. Our curriculum is ambitious, personalised and designed to develop knowledge, skills, independence and confidence. We want our pupils to enjoy learning, achieve their potential, build positive relationships and be well prepared for their next steps in life. We see Foxwood not only as a school for our children and young people, but also as a supportive community for their families. --- ## Our Values Our four values underpin everything we do at Foxwood. They shape our curriculum, our relationships and the experiences we provide for our pupils. ### Learning for Life We believe that learning should make a difference, both now and in the future. We provide meaningful learning experiences that develop the knowledge, understanding and practical skills our pupils need throughout their lives. We want every young person to leave Foxwood equipped to continue learning, participate in their community and enjoy a fulfilling life. ### Educate We believe that every pupil deserves excellent teaching, high expectations and the right support to succeed. We provide a safe, supportive and stimulating environment where pupils are understood as individuals. Our teaching is carefully planned, accessible and engaging, helping pupils to make progress academically, socially and emotionally. We promote dignity, respect and positive relationships, preparing our pupils for life in modern Britain. ### Independence We believe that every pupil should have opportunities to develop independence, make choices and have a voice in decisions that affect them. Independence looks different for every young person. We support pupils to develop communication, confidence, decision-making and practical life skills appropriate to their individual needs. We work closely with families to support informed choices about education, employment, adult life and future opportunities. ### Celebrate We believe that every achievement matters. We recognise and celebrate the talents, progress and individuality of every pupil. Whether through learning, personal development, relationships or contributions to the wider community, we want our children and young people to feel valued and proud of what they achieve. --- ## Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Equality and inclusion are central to our ethos at Foxwood Academy. As a specialist school, we understand that treating everyone fairly does not always mean treating everyone in exactly the same way. It means recognising individual needs, removing barriers, making reasonable adjustments and ensuring that every pupil has meaningful opportunities to participate, learn and achieve. We are committed to challenging discrimination, celebrating difference and promoting a school culture in which pupils, families, staff and visitors are treated with dignity and respect. In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, we have due regard to the need to: - Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and other prohibited conduct. - Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. - Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. Our approach reflects the wider equality commitments of White Hills Park Trust and recognises all nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. The application of particular legal duties varies by characteristic. We promote equality through our curriculum, our relationships, our employment practices and the opportunities we create for pupils to participate in school and community life. ### Our Equality Objectives for 2026–27 Following our annual equality review of 2025–26, we have identified four priorities for this academic year. **1. Disability and Employment** Improve access to meaningful work experience and pathways towards paid employment for pupils with disabilities. This includes developing opportunities through the construction of our new school building and building relationships with employers who can support our young people in preparing for adult life. **2. Girls' Participation in Employment Opportunities** Address the historical underrepresentation of girls in our employment and work experience groups. We will provide targeted opportunities, challenge gender stereotypes and broaden pupils' understanding of the careers and employment opportunities available to them. **3. Inclusive Communication Through Makaton** Reduce communication barriers and increase participation through the consistent use of 50 everyday Makaton signs across the Academy. This will complement pupils' individual communication approaches, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). **4. Leadership of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice** Strengthen leadership understanding, confidence and accountability for equality, diversity, inclusion and justice. Through participation in White Hills Park Trust's *Being Luminary* programme, we will identify practical improvements that further develop our inclusive culture and practice. We will monitor progress against these objectives throughout the year and evaluate their impact annually. Our **Annual Equality Review 2025–26 and Equality Objectives and Action Plan 2026–27** provides further information about our achievements, priorities, planned actions and measures of success. ### Our Trust's Commitment to Equality As part of White Hills Park Trust, we share a commitment to creating an inclusive environment in which everyone is respected, valued and able to contribute. The Trust's equality objectives promote positive relationships, cultural understanding, the prevention of discrimination, fair access to employment and professional development, and the recognition and celebration of diversity across our school communities. These commitments are reflected in Foxwood's curriculum, leadership, employment practices and everyday school life. --- ## Promoting British Values at Foxwood At Foxwood Academy, fundamental British Values are explored and promoted throughout and across our curriculum, in all phases and pathways. They are woven into everyday learning, relationships and experiences rather than taught as isolated topics. The five fundamental British Values are: - Democracy - The rule of law - Individual liberty - Mutual respect - Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs Through our curriculum, we provide meaningful and accessible opportunities for pupils to explore, understand and experience these values in ways that reflect their individual needs and stages of development. Our approach supports pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, helping them to build positive relationships, make choices, respect others and prepare for life in modern Britain. ### Democracy – Having a Voice Every pupil has the right to be heard. We support pupils to express their views, preferences and choices using the communication methods that work best for them. These may include speech, symbols, objects, photographs, signing, communication devices, eye pointing or body language. We encourage pupils to make decisions, contribute to school life and understand that their views matter. Our pupil council, **Outspoken**, provides opportunities for pupils to influence decisions and contribute to the development of the Academy. ### The Rule of Law – Understanding Rights and Responsibilities We help pupils understand the importance of rules, fairness, safety and responsibility. Through consistent expectations, positive relationships and personalised support, pupils learn how their actions affect themselves and others. We recognise that some pupils need additional support to understand and regulate their emotions and behaviour. Our approach focuses on teaching, understanding, dignity and helping pupils feel safe. ### Individual Liberty – Making Choices and Developing Independence We encourage pupils to develop confidence, independence and the ability to make informed choices. This includes supporting pupils to communicate their preferences, understand their rights, make decisions and take increasing responsibility where appropriate. We recognise that independence is individual and that meaningful choice may look different for each pupil. Through our curriculum and Preparing for Adulthood opportunities, we help young people develop the skills and confidence to participate in life beyond Foxwood. ### Mutual Respect – Valuing Everyone Respect is central to our school community. We teach pupils to recognise and value differences, develop positive relationships and treat others with dignity and kindness. Our pupils have opportunities to learn and participate alongside others through community activities, educational visits, sporting events and partnerships with mainstream schools. These experiences help develop friendships, confidence, understanding and a sense of belonging. ### Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs – Understanding and Celebrating Difference We help pupils learn about and respect people with different faiths, beliefs, backgrounds and experiences. Through our curriculum, assemblies, celebrations and wider experiences, pupils encounter different cultures, traditions and perspectives. We promote curiosity, understanding and respect, while making clear that discrimination, prejudice and bullying are not acceptable. We want our pupils to feel confident in their own identity while recognising and respecting the identities and beliefs of others. --- ## Putting Our Values into Practice Our values are not simply statements on a website. They are reflected in how we teach, communicate, support and care for our pupils every day. We work closely with families and other professionals to understand each young person's needs, listen to their views and provide a safe and inclusive environment. Our ambition is that every pupil leaves Foxwood having developed the knowledge, skills, confidence and relationships that will help them enjoy a happy, meaningful and fulfilling life. --- *If you would like a paper copy of any information published on our website, please [contact the Academy](https://chatgpt.com/contact).* ## ### About Us - [Headteacher Message](https://foxwood.academy/about-us/headteacher-message) - [Aims, Vision and Ethos](https://foxwood.academy/about-us/aims-vision-and-ethos) - [Local Governing Body](https://foxwood.academy/local-governing-body) - [Contact](https://foxwood.academy/contact) - [Academy Staff](https://foxwood.academy/about-us/academy-staff) - [Job Vacancies](https://foxwood.academy/job-vacancies) - [Expansion](https://foxwood.academy/about-us/expansion) - [The White Hills Park Trust](https://foxwood.academy/about-us/whp-trust) ![Foxwood Academy](https://files.schudio.com/foxwood-academy/images/logo/logo-foxwood-academy-footer(1).png) ### Foxwood Academy Derby Road Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG9 3GF 0115 9177202 ### Useful Links - [Policies](https://foxwood.academy/key-information/policies) - [Our Curriculum](https://foxwood.academy/our-curriculum/curriculum-information) - [Admissions Arrangements](https://foxwood.academy/key-information/admissions-arrangements) - [Contact Us](https://foxwood.academy/contact) ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/foxwoodacademy/) © Copyright 2025–2026 Foxwood Academy School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://foxwood.academy/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)