Prospectus - Statement of Purpose

Ethos & Philosophy

To promote an environment in which pupils take pride in themselves and their achievements, where they are able to extend their skills and prepare for independent life. Where they value and respect themselves and others and show that respect by their actions and words.

Admissions

Students are admitted from the age of 9 years for day pupils and from 11 years for boarders. The school can accommodate up to 44 boarding students both male and female, with moderate to severe learning difficulties and communication problems. Students may be admitted from any Local Education authority or private source. A statement of educational need is usual but not compulsory.

Curriculum

Each student will be supported and encouraged to achieve through an individually differentiated broad, balanced and enjoyable curriculum. This curriculum will include the requirements of the national curriculum, as well as skills for life and preparation for work.

Pupils will be provided with the support to enable them to achieve social and academic success within integrated settings outside school.

Opportunities for spiritual, moral, social and cultural education will be provided, satisfying the needs and providing equal opportunities for all students.

The school will evaluate and keep accurate records of student progress to enable effective learning programmes to be devised and monitored.

Pastoral Care

All boarding students will have a designated key-worker to address pastoral issues.

A home school agreement sets out the parent's and the school's role towards the students.

The parent brochure outlines for parents the day to day organisation of the school including child protection and complaints procedures.

All boarding students are registered with the local doctor. The school will accommodate any reasonable request for medical provision for students, but does not have a resident nurse.

The school is non denominational but offers a broadly Christian ethos. Other religions, beliefs and customs can however be accommodated.

Behaviour

There is an expected level of student behaviour. This is discussed and reviewed with the students. Non compliance is dealt with on the basis of punishment being appropriate to the student and the situation. Unusual behaviour incidents both positive and negative are recorded. Incidents regarding physical or geographical restraint are also recorded. Occasionally specific student behaviour is targeted for change. This is planned with the student with specific targets, time frame and reward or "payback" for the process.

Community

We will encourage students to feel part of the school and local community, as well as the wider community to which they belong.

Accommodation

The school provides a calm, secure, learning environment in which to support the students' specific difficulties. The rural setting of the school allows for both physical activity and quiet times.

Staff

To develop co-operative and supportive working relationships between staff, professionals and parents, ensuring efficient communication. To provide all staff with the opportunity to advance their personal and professional skills.

Resources

To make efficient and effective use of resources, human and non-human, using an inventory of knowledge, skiils and expertise, as well as equipment.

To use whatever financial resources are available to the maximum benefit of the pupils