Dame Ellen Pinsent School is a primary school for children with special needs arising from a range of learning disabilities; in addition some have complex special needs. We provide abroad and balance curriculum for all pupils that includes cultural, sporting and wider opportunities in our local community. We ensure that all children experience a variety of out of school activities and many attend a school residential. Such experiences help the children to become more independent and encourage then to work as part of a team.

All pupils have learning disabilities (moderate & severe) many also have additional needs such as ASD, severe epilepsy, ADHD, asthmatic, Down syndrome, emotional & behaviour difficulties, hearing impaired, speech and language and medical needs.

Following an increased need in the city and a request from the LA in April 2016 we expanded the pupil number in school to 152 from 126. With the increase of pupil numbers we are struggling to prioritise the use of our current minibus for classes to attend sporting and enrichment activities. Some classes / pupils are unable to attend events and activities due to lack of transport. An additional minibus will enable more children to attend out of school activities e.g. golf, swimming, football, farm visits etc. We are also intending to launch our parent association this year and the minibus will support their activities with the pupils. It will help our pupils to become more independent and support their inclusion into their communities.