"Learning Is For Everyone"

To be a specialist secondary school for children with severe language and communication difficulties (SLCD)and/or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). The school will focus on communication, social interaction and life skills. It will follow applied behavioural principles, as a proven, effective teaching environment and will aim to be a centre of excellence. It will provide after school activities and also be a training base for professionals and families.

Objectives

• For children with SLCD and/or ASD – aged from 11- 19 years – to be in a school that will provide them with a means of communication. The aim will be to develop their language and social skills and to manage any behavioural difficulties
• The school will have a broad and varied curriculum, geared to the individual pupil’s needs, with access to the national curriculum, where appropriate. It will use motivational techniques so that the children want to learn. There will be a high level of support for some of the day including 1:1, as and when appropriate
• Promote self esteem, confidence and independence, which may result in students integrating into mainstream, further education and/or employment.( We would hope for links with the local schools and colleges of further education)
• To work very closely with parents and home, to help generalise skills acquired in the school room. The school can train, guide and support parents. This will lead to increased confidence in their own parenting skills and in specific methods that they can use to help their child’s development. This would be in the form of regular meetings and visits into the home. Parents/carers will also gain support from each other.
• To include therapy input in the day to day running of the school. We know the importance of Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) and would also want to use sensory integration therapy, as alot of the children will have sensory issues. They will use a holistic team approach to meet each child’s individual needs.
• Organise and run after school activities including “Buddy Clubs”. This will give the opportunity to these children to try and mix with their peers and form friendships in a fun way.
• To provide a high level of training and opportunities to all teaching staff. It will also run training and workshops to external professionals. The aim will be to form a centre of excellence and to share our knowledge.
• Have “An Independent Living” area for pupils to practise their life skills and also have sessions in the community to further skills acquired at school.