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Teaching is conducted through small groups and individual work, fully structured
to support visual learners, with activities adapted to meet need for a multisensory
approach to learning. ICT equipment such as interactive plasma boards,
iPads and Virtual Reality headsets are used to support learning. Tasks and
activities are broken down into small steps and include a high frequency of
reward and motivation to encourage learning with progress celebrated on an
individual as well as whole school basis.
"The curriculum is a major strength of the school." "The school benefits from an
extensive range of specialist facilities which enables it to offer a full rich and
varied curriculum." Ofsted Education Inspection 2017
The school places an emphasis on creating meaningful and functional learning
opportunities which build on each individual's strengths and interests to provide
a person-centred approach. Skills, once learnt, are generalised and practised in
different settings and throughout the Waking Day.
The focus is on building communication skills, developing as high a level of
independence as possible, learning strategies to self-manage anxiety and
behaviour, managing transitions, developing social skills, making choices,
undertaking a range of leisure activities, and vocational work.
"Children's actions and demeanour show that they feel safe and confident in
their environment. "Staff are confident in recognising that children's behaviour is
a form of communication." Ofsted Care Inspection 2019
The Waking Day curriculum:
Each young person has a personalised programme of learning with group and
individual activities structured throughout their Waking Day.
A major focus is on developing independent living skills such as learning to
acquire appropriate sleeping and toileting patterns; developing personal care
routines and appropriate mealtime behaviour; building the understanding and
ability to shop, prepare and serve food with increasing levels of independence;