Stephen Hawking School is a special school for approximately 130 pupils between two and 11 years of age in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The majority of the children at the school have profound and multiple learning difficulties. A significant number of children have additional sensory and physical impairments.

The school offers a safe, positive and challenging environment for its pupils. We have high expectations of all children which, we believe, helps them to reach their potential. These high expectations are supported by teachers, many of whom have specialist qualifications in the education of children with learning difficulties, and support staff who receive considerable on-site training.

We are supported by members of the local primary care trust who provide nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. In addition, we have high level support from the local authority’s peripatetic teachers for the hearing and visually impaired. All of these services are an integral part of our work.

Partnership with parents and other members of the local community is a key part of the way we work.

We believe strongly that parents and other community members need to be involved in the education provided at the school so that all our children are ready to take their place in the wider community.

We are currently piloting a soft federation with Harry Gosling Primary School. This new partnership has already increased the educational opportunities for the children from both schools, so that our children can learn and grow together. It has also enabled staff from both schools to learn from one another to better support the children they teach.