Martha H
School
Located in Wigan, our new school offers a safe and supportive environment for young people aged between 5 and 18 with Autism and/or social, emotional, and mental health difficulties (SEMH). Our young people may have a number of diagnoses including ASD, ADHD, FASD, anxiety and/or, communication and interaction, cognition, and learning needs.
Our vision is to provide a learning environment where young people can thrive, feel supported, safe and are then able to leave school happy with relevant experiences and outcomes to enable them to contribute to the wider community.
Our main goal in education is to help young people to reach their full potential. At Polaris, we recognise the importance of specialist education and support to young people who need a tailored approach to learning.
Passionate about Education
Martha H, a fully refurbished setting with a multi-purpose outdoor space including a traditional playground, sensory garden and separate open field area to create a therapeutic environment which will enable us to focus on the health and wellbeing of our young people.
Inside we have a range of rooms including classrooms, multipurpose rooms, and communal areas. These areas will allow us to follow the national curriculum as well as offering bespoke learning opportunities.
We are passionate about what we do and that is providing high-quality, aspirational education with bespoke learning opportunities. We take a holistic view of each of our children, offering individual care and a complete range of support that is constantly evolving with their needs.
Martha H School Values: The 4C’s
- Compassion
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Confidence
- Small bespoke groupings of 6-8 children supported by a class teacher/tutor and at least one Teaching Assistant per group across our spacious site, with appropriate boundaries in place to safeguard and nurture all children.
- Within the Polaris Community we have 15+ SEND schools across the UK who work together to provide each pupil with a tailored, diverse and appropriate education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning and encourages achievement.
- Our schools offer safe learning areas for our younger pupils to ensure they are able to thrive and grow while receiving high quality teaching based on the National Curriculum. Teachers adapt the pupils learning to suit their ability and needs. We want to make sure that our pupils, regardless of age, feel welcome and secure throughout the school day.
- Younger pupils are taught through the National Curriculum ensuring a broad and balanced curriculum which is tailored to match their academic ability in all subjects.
- Older pupils have a broad curriculum leading to external accreditation which may include GCSEs,
Functional Skills, BTECs, NCFE qualifications, Entry level certificates and ASDAN Short courses. Pupils can also explore the Arts Award or ASDAN Short courses in their enrichment offer. In addition to these enterprise-driven qualifications, employability and independence programmes will be offered. There is a key focus on Next steps and aspiration throughout school with a strong careers offer. - The on-site team will be equipped and trained to support children using our communication and
trauma informed therapeutic model.
Our Approach
Our Polaris schools use the Polaris Education’s COSMIC (Child- Orientated Systemic Mentalisation with Integrated Communication) model, designed to support children with SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health), ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and other complex needs. We understand the children we support often struggle with connection, communication, and relationships, which can negatively impact their learning and life chances. Our comprehensive approach equips both staff and students with the necessary skills, knowledge, tools and practices to foster connection, communication, and growth within a nurturing and inclusive school environment.
COSMIC is supported by:
• Child Centred Framework Placing the child at the core of all our efforts. By understanding and nurturing each child’s unique inner world, constellation of relationships and psychological development, we help them build a strong sense of self-worth and identity.
• Understanding and Responding to Needs Dedicated to deeply understanding the unique needs, behaviours, and challenges faced by each child.
• Integrated Communication and Emotional Support Inclusive communication with approaches such as Language that Cares, recognising that all behaviour is communication.
• Holistic and Inclusive School Culture A whole-community approach that creates a nurturing and inclusive school culture. Our environment is designed to make every child feel valued, supported, and secure.
• Expert-Led and Trauma Informed Practice Developed by our Head of Therapy, who is grounded in expert-led, trauma-informed practice. Our team of specialists, including psychotherapists, psychologists, and speech and language therapists, provide ongoing training and support to our staff.
Proprietor
Polaris Children’s Services
Chair: Jo August
Malvern View
Saxon Business Park, Hanbury Road,
Stoke Prior
Bromsgrove, B60 4AD
Headteacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Yvette Carr
Martha H School
Downall Green Road,
Wigan, WN4 0LZ
Governing Body
Our school has a Governing Body which is chaired by Jo August.
Address for correspondence:
Malvern View
Saxon Business Park, Hanbury Road,
Stoke Prior
Bromsgrove, B60 4AD
Part of the Polaris Community
Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as Leaving Care services, Education and bespoke children’s services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for each and every child in our care. We’re ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and believe in their futures.
Get in Touch
If you’d like to get in touch with us, please fill in the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
Address
328 Downall Green Rd,
Ashton-in-Makerfield,
Wigan,
WN4 0LZ