Chris Rue, Headteacher

Welcome to Epinay

I have the privilege of being Head Teacher at Epinay Business and Enterprise School since January 2017. I have spent my full working career in special needs schools, a job I find tremendously rewarding. I like to think that I have a lot to offer as a leader in a special school, I have had a number of positions within school including teaching assistant, HLTA, Pastoral Manager, Residential Child Care Officer, Teacher, middle leader, Assistant Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher, Head of School and Head Teacher.

‘Ready to listen, ready to learn together’ is something that we strive to work towards every day, we have worked extremely hard in giving children an enriching and creative education that equips them with the skills and attributes they will need to support them to develop as happy, confident and independent learners who are prepared for adulthood.

Chris Rue, Headteacher

Learning Phases

At Epinay we have 5 learning phases, which students move through during their journey.  Each phase has different aspects which are highlighted in the time line below.

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Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

Phase 4

Phase 5

Core Learning

Children follow a bespoke curriculum based on the early years framework and development matters and adapted to meet our pupils’ learning, communication and sensory needs.

Continuous provision

Phase 1 offers continuous play provision which includes child-initiated and adult-guided play. Our classrooms and shared areas feature open-ended materials, to encourage children to explore, experiment, take risks, and deepen their understanding of the world around them through play.

Hands on learning

Regular opportunities to learn through hands-on learning through sensory experiences, including attention autism, use of soft play and the immersive room. We provide regular visits to enhance the curriculum and deepen pupils’ understanding of the world.

Sensory support

Children in phase 1 are still learning to understand the world around them and sensory regulation is key to feeling safe and calm. Phase 1 pupils have access to their own sensory room, supporting individual needs.

Specialist support. Outstanding results

Events

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23
FEB

February half-term holidays

School is closed for the February half-term from Monday 23rd February to Friday 27th February…

03
APR

Easter School Holidays

School is closed for the Easter holidays from Friday 3rd April to Friday 17th April…

01
MAY

In Service Training Day

School will be closed for an In Service Training Day on Friday 1st May 2026

04
MAY

May Bank Holiday

School is closed for the May bank holiday on Monday 4th May 2026

25
MAY

May half-term

School is closed for the May half-term from Monday 25th May to Friday 29th May…

03
JUL

In Service Training Day

School will be closed for an In Service Training Day on Friday 3rd July 2026

20
JUL

Break-up for Summer

School is closed for the Summer holidays from Monday 20th July to Monday 31st August…

13
SEP

Great North Run 2026 - Sunday 13 September

Do you want to take part in this year’s Great North Run and didn't get…