A Place for Your Child

Parkwood Academy
Parkwood Academy is the school of choice, distinguished by our commitment to delivering year-upon-year increasing outcomes for our children through an unparalleled standard of provision.

Our fundamental investment is in our pupils, meticulously ensuring they possess the highest possible aspirations for their life path. We cultivate an environment where every single child is instilled with a profound sense of belonging within their classes and the wider school community.

Our children embark upon a challenging and deeply engaging programme of study, purposely designed to spark passions, regardless of where they may lie. Our unique, direct connections with prestigious local grammar schools nurture a visible and attainable pathway for our pupils, integrating these ambitions into their lives early on.

Complementing our academic rigor is a vibrant enrichment programme, including diverse opportunities for school visits and trips, strategic partnerships with venues like Chelmsford Athletics Stadium for attending numerous high-profile events, and our exclusive collaboration with Chelmsford City Football Club, which provides professional football coaching weekly to our children.

Is your child ready for school?

Starting school is a huge milestone for both you and your child! We don’t expect our new starters to be perfect at everything, but helping them develop these “independence muscles” will give them a flying start.

Here are a few things you can practice together before the big day:

1. Personal Independence

  • Dressing: Practice putting on coats and attempting zips or buttons.
  • Shoes: Choosing shoes with Velcro straps makes life much easier for little ones (and teachers!) when heading outside.
  • Toileting: Being able to use the toilet independently and remembering to wash their hands.

2. Social & Communication Skills

  • Taking Turns: Simple board games or sharing toys helps them prepare for Discovery Time with friends.
  • Expressing Needs: Encouraging them to ask for help or for the “toilet” with confidence.
  • Listening: Practice sitting still for a short story—even just five minutes makes a difference!

3. Eating & Drinking

  • Lunchboxes: If they are having a packed lunch, check they can open the containers and peel their own fruit.
  • Water Bottles: Practice using their “school” bottle so they stay hydrated throughout the day.

4. The “Parkwood” Mindset

  • Talk it Up! Chat about the fun things they’ll do, like playing in the sand, water tray, small world, phonics class.
  • Walk the Route: If you live nearby, walk past the school gates to get them used to the journey.

A Note for Parents: Don’t worry if they aren’t “pro” at these yet! Our team is here to support every child exactly where they are. We’re experts at helping with tricky zips and encouraging shy voices.

Our Open Days

Details regarding our upcoming Open Days are regularly advertised across our social media channels, so please be sure to follow us for the latest updates (insert link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkwoodacademy/).

For further information or to confirm upcoming dates, you are also welcome to contact our school office directly. We understand that scheduled events don’t always suit a busy family calendar; if our advertised dates are not convenient for you, please get in touch to arrange a personal school tour. We would be delighted to show you around and arrange a 1-to-1 chat with a member of our Senior Leadership Team to discuss how Parkwood Academy can support your child’s future.

Get in Touch

Parent Enquiry


Parent testimonials

"My son has made amazing progress since starting at Parkwood. Before he joined, we really worried about how he’d cope with his learning, but the SEN support here has been a total game-changer. The staff actually 'get' him and have given him so much confidence. He’s doing things now we never thought he’d manage—we are so incredibly proud of him."

Parent

"The staff at Parkwood really do go above and beyond for the kids. It’s not just a job to them; you can tell they genuinely care about every single child in the building. They always go that extra mile. It’s such a relief as a parent to know your child is in such good hands."

Parent

"I feel so well supported by the school with my son and his specific needs. It can be really stressful trying to get the right help, but Parkwood has been with us every step of the way. They always listen to my concerns and keep me in the loop with how he’s getting on. It feels like a proper partnership, and I know he’s in the best place possible to thrive."

Parent