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Enjoyment and achievement
13. Arrangements for enabling children and young people to
take part in and benefit from a variety of activities that
meet their needs and develop and reflect their creative,
intellectual, physical and social interests and skills.
The Prior's Court Learning Framework and This Is Me plans provide individuals
with a programme of learning which is individualised to meet each young
person's needs and build on their strengths and interests, across the seven Areas
of Learning - communication, positive behaviour support, healthiness, daily living
skills, vocational skills, functional academics and, keeping me safe.
The most crucial factor in achieving success for our young people is consistency of
approach. As such, learning takes place throughout the entire Waking Day and in
all settings, including education, residential homes and within the wider
community.
Each young person's programme of learning is reviewed regularly by key staff
using supporting information from Prior Insight to look at each young person's
achievements and individual needs, building on their strengths and interests and
their developing and emerging skills. Progress is tracked using our I Can
statement system.
Undertaking learning and social activities within their home, young people are
supported to develop a sense of family and community. Activities are undertaken
in small groups or as a home group and young people are encouraged to follow
hobbies and take part in recreational, social and fun activities with their peers.
A wide range of facilities on-site are provided for young people including a
Countryside Learning Centre for animal husbandry, a horticulture area, facilities
for art, cooking (including a purpose-built, industry-standard bakery for vocational
learning), music, swimming, computers, multi-sensory rooms and equipment, to
support physical exercise and outdoor play, as well as vocational and leisure
activities. A youth club and social hub has been created to provide facilities,
including a health club to be used and eventually run by the young people.
Staff encourage and support young people to follow hobbies and take part in
recreational, social and fun activities. Young people regularly use the local
community amenities to practice, consolidate and transfer skills. Off-site activities
include trips to the theatre, cinema, museums, library, restaurants, swimming
pool, farms and leisure parks, ice rinks, climbing clubs, a bowling alley, and going
on countryside walks. Young people can also use a local gym, attend a youth club,
football club, sailing group, riding lessons, visit the seaside or enjoy a barge
activity day. Risk assessments are completed to identify any existing or
foreseeable identified risks.