Bidwell Brook School in Dartington and Ellen Tinkham School in Exeter are Local Authority maintained Special Schools.  We form part of a Co-operative Trust, the SENtient Trust, with other special schools in Devon.  Both Bidwell Brook and Ellen Tinkham educate children and young people aged 3-19 years.   All pupils attending our schools have either severe or profound leaning difficulties.  Many also have physical, sensory or behavioural additional needs, including autism. Our 382 pupils hold an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP). 

Each of our sites is led by an experienced Head of School or College.  There are also teaching & learning senior leaders at each setting, as well as a business team who work across both schools.

The Learn to Live Federation was formed in June 2014 and has a single Governing Body chaired by Steve Finnemore.  

We have a clear approach to meeting the needs of our pupils, to ensure they make the best possible progress in school.  Admissions to our schools are in line with our Admissions Policy which is published on our websites.  More detail on our commitment to high quality educational provision for all our pupils is detailed in our Curriculum Policy.

Our latest Federation Development & Innovation Plan is below.  This Plan is continually being reviewed by senior leaders to ensure we respond to the needs of our pupils and staff.