Castledon Canvey Satellite Provision

Castledon Canvey Island is a primary specialist provision for children aged 5–11 with severe learning difficulties and complex needs.

Opened in September 2026, Castledon Canvey Island is part of the wider Castledon School and Sixth Form community.

We aim to create a small, welcoming and nurturing school where every child feels a strong sense of belonging, is understood and valued as an individual, is given meaningful opportunities to learn, communicate and develop independence, and is supported to achieve their full potential.

Our pupils

Pupils at Castledon Canvey Island have a wide range of individual needs. These may include, but are not limited to, communication difficulties, autism, sensory needs, physical needs and severe learning difficulties.

Our curriculum and environment are carefully adapted around each child. Learning may look very different from a traditional primary classroom and is built around pupils' individual starting points, EHCP outcomes and readiness to learn.

We use a combination of pre-formal and semi-formal approaches, with learning taking place through communication, interaction, movement, exploration, play and meaningful everyday experiences.

Our approach

Relationships are at the heart of our work.

We take time to get to know each child: how they communicate, what motivates them, what helps them to feel safe and regulated, and how they show us they are ready to learn.

Communication is supported throughout the school day using approaches appropriate to each pupil. These may include objects, photographs, symbols, visual supports, communication boards, AAC and intensive interaction.

We also recognise the importance of movement, sensory input and emotional regulation. Staff work closely with our Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy teams so that agreed strategies are embedded into pupils' everyday school experience.

Our approach is calm, consistent and responsive. We aim to create predictable routines and environments that help pupils to feel secure while gradually building confidence, independence and engagement.

Learning at Castledon Canvey Island

Our curriculum is designed specifically for pupils with severe learning difficulties and is informed by the EQUALS curriculum.

Rather than simply adapting a mainstream curriculum, learning is personalised around each pupil's developmental starting point, individual needs and the skills and experiences that are most meaningful to them.

This includes developing:

• communication and interaction

• thinking and problem-solving

• physical development and movement

• independence, choice and self-care

• emotional regulation

• relationships and social understanding

• understanding and exploring the wider world

Learning takes place throughout the school day and across the whole school environment. Through continuous provision, opportunities to learn are embedded within play, exploration, sensory and regulation activities, personal care routines and everyday experiences.

A communication exchange at lunchtime, moving independently around the classroom, transitioning to different spaces within the school, making a choice or joining a shared activity can all represent significant learning and achievement.

Our environment

Castledon Canvey Island is a small specialist setting designed around the needs of our pupils.

Classrooms are organised to provide calm, structured environments with clear routines, appropriate resources and space for pupils to learn, explore and regulate.

As a new school, our environment will continue to develop over time. We are working with pupils, staff, families, therapists and other professionals to ensure that the spaces and resources we introduce reflect the needs of the children who use them.

Part of Castledon

Castledon Canvey Island is an integral part of Castledon School and Sixth Form.

Staff across our Canvey Island and Wickford sites work together, sharing the same values, policies, professional development and specialist expertise.

As pupils grow older, we are also able to plan carefully for future transitions, including progression to our Wickford provision where appropriate.

Who's who at Castledon Canvey Island

We know it is helpful for families to know who they can speak to. Some of the key members of the Canvey Island team are:

Class Teachers
Your child's class teacher is the main point of contact for learning, progress and day-to-day classroom matters.

Family and Attendance Support – Alex Sweeney
Supports families with attendance, pastoral matters and accessing further support where needed.

Admin and Reception – Hayley Foster
The first point of contact for general enquiries, messages and day-to-day administration.

Head of School – Jon Hazelgrove
Responsible for the day-to-day leadership of Castledon Canvey Island, including safeguarding, behaviour, attendance, staffing and the overall running of the school.

Assistant Headteacher – Kathryn Hemmings
Leads on curriculum, teaching and learning and supports the day-to-day leadership of the school.

If you are unsure who you need to speak to, please contact the school office, and we will make sure your message reaches the right person.

Castledon Canvey School Office
Telephone: 01268 760412
Email: admincanvey@castledon.org