An independent special school in the heart of the community.

At Spark Vale Academy, pupils Belong, Grow and Thrive through safe relationships, personalised learning, and real world preparation.

Meet the team

Spark Vale Academy is led by people who put safety, belonging, and high expectations at the centre of school life.

Leadership

Mital Thanki

Proprietor

Katie James

Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Poonam Chamund

Business Manager

Team

Emmy Lusted

Maths Teacher & DDSL

Rachel Thomas

English Teacher

Claire Gould

Teaching Assistant

Louise Byrne

Teaching Assistant

Why we exist

Many neurodivergent pupils are bright, capable, and curious. But in some settings, school can feel overwhelming. Noise, pace, sensory demands, and repeated misunderstandings can lead to anxiety, burnout, and school refusal. Over time, pupils can lose confidence and start to believe they are the problem.

We exist to change that story.

Spark Vale Academy is built for pupils who need a different kind of school. We design learning around how pupils think, feel, and communicate. We reduce barriers, not expectations. We combine strong teaching with therapeutic support so pupils can feel safe enough to engage, take risks, and make progress.

We are proud to be based in the heart of the community.

We want pupils to be seen, valued, and included in everyday life.

Being part of the community helps learning transfer into real situations. It also helps pupils build confidence in places they will use throughout adulthood.

This matters because school is not just about passing time or getting through the day. It is about building a life.

When pupils practise learning and independence in real settings, they develop skills that last. They learn how to communicate needs, manage emotions, take part, and recover from setbacks. They begin to trust themselves again.

Alongside this, they are supported to make ambitious academic progress that is matched to their needs and starting points.

Over time, this leads to the outcomes that matter most. Better attendance and engagement. Stronger relationships. Growing independence and functional skills. Improved readiness for the next step, whether that is further education, training, or employment.

Most importantly, pupils leave with a stronger sense of who they are, and the belief that they belong in the world.

The Sprial

We recognise that progress is rarely linear.

That's why at Spark Vale Academy we use Sprials as our guiding model, understanding that growth is cyclical. And just like with learning, we know that no two paths are the same, and that one framework won't work for everyone, meaning that our spiral symbols may vary in length, width, structure and shape.

Belong, Grow & Thrive in Practice

A calm and predictable environment

We create calm, predictable spaces where pupils can settle and feel safe. Adults notice when a pupil is struggling and respond with care and consistency.

Relationships come first

Positive relationships are the foundation of learning. We work hard to make sure every pupil feels respected, valued, and listened to.

Preparation for adulthood starts early

We plan with the future in mind from day one. We help pupils build communication, emotional regulation, and everyday independence alongside their learning.

Community Commitment

We are a school rooted in our local community. We build strong links with local businesses, services, and community organisations so pupils can learn in real settings and meet positive role models.

These partnerships help pupils see what is possible. They create meaningful opportunities to practise communication, teamwork, travel skills, and workplace behaviours. They also support Preparation for Adulthood through real experiences that build confidence and ambition.

e work hard to make sure our pupils are visible in the community for the right reasons. They are learning, contributing, and building a positive future, alongside the people and places around them.

Admissions