Discovery Academy

A MESSAGE FROM THE CAPTAIN

Welcome to Discovery Academy. We are a specialist school for autistic children and young people aged 7–16, serving families across Sheffield. Now in our fourth year, we continue to grow in strength and confidence, and we are proud that Ofsted recognised the quality of our relationships, our calm and purposeful environment, and the way our curriculum helps pupils re‑engage positively with learning.Many of our pupils arrive with complex needs — often including social, emotional and mental health needs, medical needs, or long periods out of school — and many come from communities facing significant deprivation. Despite this, attendance is consistently strong, and children quickly learn that they are safe, valued and understood. The recent Charter Gold Accreditation captured this beautifully, describing Discovery as “a lovely school on many levels” and highlighting how staff communicate to pupils that they are “loved” and that we “find different ways to connect with your child.”We are currently operating above our recommended numbers because families trust the care, patience and expertise of our staff. Parent carers often tell us that “nothing is too much trouble” and that their children are “happy here” — feedback that means a great deal to us.Relationships sit at the heart of our work. You will see this in the warm welcome every morning, the calm and attuned responses to distress, the sanctuary spaces shaped by pupil voice, and the personalised pathways that help children thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Our curriculum is aspirational and inclusive, enriched through experiences such as the Makaton choir, Duke of Edinburgh, Discovery’s Got Talent and our House system.Thank you for taking the time to learn about our school. We hope you feel the warmth, care and ambition that define Discovery Academy. We look forward to welcoming you into our community.

Mrs Luci Windle and Mr. Daniel Shirazi-Nejad