"...this outstanding school is continuously improving."

"The local authority correctly judges the school’s performance as outstanding."- OFSTED 2019

Roman Fields Academy is a county wide provision, in beautiful surroundings on the outskirts of  Hemel Hempstead.  In 2018, Roman Fields was nominated for, and subsequently won, the National Autistic Society's most prestigious award for the education sector; their 2018 Excellence award. In early 2019, we received our Ofsted report in which we were graded "Outstanding" in all areas. 

In 2020 we received confirmation from the DfE that our bid to run a free school for pupils with complex needs, in Welwyn, had been successful. In April 2021, we 'academised' and the new James Marks Academy Trust was formed. The Roman Fields Academy was joined by Forest House Education Centre in September 2022, and whilst we await a construction completion date for the new purpose built James Marks Academy, special free school in September 2024; we opened on a temporary basis, on our Roman Fields site, from September 2023. 

The flexible and creative nature of our provisions allows us to re-engage and motivate pupils, placing them on a  timetable that builds on their strengths and interests and provide access to accreditation from a variety of awarding bodies. We offer functional skills, vocational qualifications and GCSEs. Please see our examination results as we are very proud of our pupils and their achievements.

All pupils on roll have an EHC plan. Most of our pupils are autistic with significant SEMH challenges, whilst others have comorbidity with a range of diagnoses. The vast majority of our pupils are in KS4 (14-16) and we have a core offer of mathematics, English, science, PSHEE and ICT. The rest of a pupil's timetable will be designed around their interests. We are also able to offer humanities, art and Music up to GCSE. We have strong partnerships with a number of schools and colleges based on mutual trust and support.  

Referrals to Roman Fields are made via the county council's SEND request for a special school place process, which is outlined in the admission policy.  Roman Fields is registered for 40 pupils, but we do go over number in support of both vulnerable pupils and the local authority, where we can. When the new school is fully functional, the capacity across the Trust will increase to over 100. 

"Pupils’ specific needs and difficulties are carefully addressed through personalised plans. As a result, their outcomes are outstanding." _ OFSTED 2019

We work closely with all agencies involved with a child to maximise the exchange of information and ensure close communication. From the moment a pupil joins, we are actively looking at their abilities and areas of interest in order to secure successful onward transition. This was recognised by both Ofsted (Oct 2014, 2019) and the National Autistic Society (April 2014, 2017, 2020) as a strength of the provision, along with the ‘never give up ethos.’ We are based on a community usage site and are an integral part of Hertfordshire County Council's commitment to providing equality of access for all.

Mission statement- 'Aspirational for those with diverse needs'

OUR CORE VALUES ARE:

 Aspiration

 Respect

 Community

 Integrity

BRITISH VALUES

British Values should be at the centre of everything that we do within schools.

British Values are at the core of our offer.  We support the DFE guidance which states that schools should, "create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.’ At Roman Fields, these values are reinforced regularly in the following ways:

DEMOCRACY

At Roman Fields, opportunities such as the School Council allow our pupils to have a say in what we do on a day to day basis. For example, they are able to vote on key issues such as how rewards are used within the provision. In subjects such as PSHEE and Self Knowledge, they learn about our democratic system and are encouraged to use their own voices to offer opinion.

THE RULE OF LAW

Through our PSHEE and Life Skills curriculum, pupils are educated about the laws that must be followed in our society. Key areas are covered such as how laws govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Our pupils are encouraged to engage with the public, through regular trips and visits and, as a result, understand the correct and appropriate ways to conduct themselves in such situations.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY

Roman Fields is a safe and supportive environment which allows pupils to feel valued and make individual choices. Staff help them to make safe choices through our PSHEE and mentoring programme, where students receive guidance on e-safety, safe behaviours and relationships. Pupils are given the freedom to make a wide range of choices, such as attending enrichment activities and trips during school holidays.

MUTUAL RESPECT

Respect is at the heart of all we do.  We actively promote respect so that our pupils understand that it underpins the framework of a tolerant and inclusive society.  We expect all staff, visitors and pupils to treat each other with respect in all their interactions.  Through our Autism Enrichment Programme, pupils are encouraged to engage with and respect people from different backgrounds.

TOLERANCE OF THOSE WITH DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS

Roman Fields is an environment where pupils are encouraged to learn from each other by sharing and celebrating their different faiths and cultures. For example, through sharing their experiences and beliefs with each other during our shared lunchtime and registration time. RS and PSHEE lessons help pupils to make sense of the multifaceted and multicultural world we live in, increasing their knowledge in a safe environment where they can ask questions and challenge misconceptions leading to a more tolerant and inclusive school.

Large print and paper copies of all information on this website can be obtained by contacting the school office.