We learn to live together, together we live to learn
Transcription
We learn to live together, together we live to learn
We learn to live together, together we live to learn ‘We learn to live together, together we live to learn’ Vision statement To provide an outstanding, engaging and innovative education for ASC and BESD primary pupils. To be recognised as a centre of excellence nationally, sharing this knowledge with others to raise standards in education and care for SEN children. Phone: 01257 278899 Fax:01257 265505 www.westmorlandschool.co.uk Www.witherslackgroup.co.uk Head Teacher– Sue Asher An Independent Primary Co-Educational Day Special School for children on the Autistic Spectrum and for the development of Behavioural, Emotional and Social skills. Westmorland School Weldbank Lane Chorley Lancashire PR7 3NQ We learn to live together, together we live to learn Provision Clusters We offer a unique provision which ensures children’s individual needs are fully met, with class groups that cater for different levels of need ,in the areas of ; resilience, social communication and sensory sensitivity. BIG CATS BEARS BEARS- (Becoming, Emotionally Aware, Resilient and Sociable) Koalas and Pandas– have high sensory sensitivity and social communication needs with low levels of resilience. Sun Bears and Polar Bears– have medium sensory sensitivity and social communication needs with medium/ low levels of resilience. They are in classrooms which have been specifically designed and developed by a multi-disciplinary team to ensure the environment minimises stress and anxiety for these children. They have a social communication curriculum which is used throughout the day which maximises their opportunities for social communication development. BIG CATS- (Becoming, Independent, Gaining Confidence, Achievement, Therapy: Success) Leopards—Have medium/low sensory sensitivity and social communication needs with medium levels of resilience. This class is a ‘half-way house’ between BEARS and BIG CATS. They still have the social communication curriculum and a ‘nurture style’ approach to their day. Panthers and Jaguars– Have low sensory sensitivity and social communication needs with a higher level of resilience. They are in a more ‘mainstream style’ classroom environment with higher expectations of independence and concentration. We learn to live together, together we live to learn Religious and Cultural Ethos Whilst Westmorland School is a non-denominational school it seeks to promote an awareness of a value system based on Christian principles. The school is sensitive and respectful of the religious and cultural needs of all pupils and their families and welcomes information prior to admission concerning specific requirements. Behaviour Management Safeguarding Children-Mission statement A major aim of our school is to help children develop controls from within and therefore good behaviour patterns are taught, encouraged and rewarded. Westmorland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children. We believe in the importance of working with partner agencies to ensure that children have safe, healthy and happy childhoods. All staff working here are made aware of the need of protection and how to respond to these concerns. We use a whole school reward system which recognizes appropriate behaviours with verbal praise, ‘golden time’, certificates, vouchers, badges and eventually after repeated excellent behaviour a separate school ambassadors uniform is presented. Every child has an MSP (My Support Plan) and an individual risk assessment which helps identify anxieties they may have and how we can support them to best effect. We have a ‘Safeguarding Policy’ and all staff are supported by our designated Safeguarding Lead - Mr. Graham Kirby, supported by Mr. Paul Henderson If you require further support on safeguarding matters you can contact Sue Asher 01257-278899, or Richard Wilkins (WG) on 07703677894 Due to our children’s difficulties there may be times when rewards and sanctions are ineffective in managing a child’s behaviour. On such occasions children may place themselves or others in risk of harm. On such occasions we use the holistic approach to behaviour management as outlined by TEAM TEACH. All our staff are fully trained and refreshed annually enabling potentially volatile situations to be de-escalated safely through use of verbal and non-verbal strategies and as a last resort a continuum of gradual and graded techniques. RPI data is analysed on a monthly basis assisting patterns of behaviour to be identified and intervention strategies to be put in place. Attendance Excellent attendance is encouraged in all pupils. We pride ourselves on children’s attendance record greatly improving from previous schools attended. Our attendance records demonstrate an average of 96.36% over the past year. We work closely with pupils’ families and support services to ensure all pupils maintain an outstanding attendance record. Our annual aim for 2015/16 is 96.5% Or Mary Auren Lancashire Safeguarding Officer (Education) on 01772 532634 Anti Bullying We pride ourselves on our warm and caring, family atmosphere. All members of our community are entitled to safety and protection and therefore bullying will not be tolerated. We have clear policies and guidelines raising awareness in staff and children to signs of bullying. During the last 12 months there were only 3 minor incidents of bullying reported by children or staff. Exclusions We hope that all children will benefit from our mutual respect and trust and therefore not require an exclusion. We have had only one fixed term exclusion in the last nine years and no permanent exclusions for over fourteen years. Meeting and Reviews An interim placement review meeting will take place 8 weeks after a child’s admission. This meeting allows assessment results to be shared and intervention programmes to be agreed. Each child will then have their Statutory Annual review where their statement/health and care plan will be reviewed and their progress monitored in relation to their targets. Transition reviews take place at a child’s year six Statutory Annual review where future secondary placements will be decided. At all meetings the views of the child, parents/carers, teachers, speech and language therapist, psychotherapist, educational psychologist and Local Authorities are all gained to ensure all interested parties can contribute. We learn to live together, together we live to learn Uniform & Equipment We provide each child’s uniform. This includes two blue t-shirts and sweat shirt with dark grey trousers. Parent/carers provide their child with smart dark coloured foot wear. P.E. kits are also provided for both indoor and outdoor sports. Each child receives their own school ruck-sack with which to transport items to and from school. They are also given a small bag containing a tooth brush, toothpaste and a comb or brush which can be used during the school day. Personal items or money should not be brought into school unless it is by special request Medical Care Risk Assessments The school has a medical room on the first floor, all staff as part of their induction training complete a 1 day basic first aid course for children's services. In addition Mr. Niven has completed the 4 day first aid at work training. All first aid training is followed up with refresher training every 3 years. The children on role all have an eye test by the school optician and their teeth checked by the school dentist. The school is only allowed to administer prescribed medication, this is given by the Pastoral Care Team. All medication is recorded and kept in a locked medical cupboard. Our role is to support children to live an ordinary life, helping them to understand daily risks that they face and to learn how to overcome them safely. Due to our children’s difficulties, many of them exhibit ‘risk taking’ characteristics, we therefore have rigorous procedures to ensure every one’s safety. Risk assessments and activity forms are completed by the party leader before all off site activities are authorised to go ahead by a senior member of staff. The school has a full fire risk assessment which is reviewed annually by the S.L.T. or should there be a change in the room usage. All parts of the school day are risk assessed by the Health and safety co-ordinator Mr Brookfield and the SLT. Colton Huddart is responsible for risk management within the WG. Pupil Voice We have an National Award Winning pupil voice group, led by Mr. James Whincup who meet every month to discuss issues and make suggestions for school improvement. Each class has their own representative on the pupil voice group. Healthy School During 07/08 we gained our national healthy school award. We have continued to make many improvements throughout the school following this status. We shall continue to develop in these areas and maintain these standards in menus and with our health aware ethos. Food/Menus We provide free meals for all children following national nutritional guidelines. We offer a wide variety of freshly produced meals within a warm and friendly environment where social skills are developed. Each day begins with ‘breakfast club’, followed by a selection of fruit at break and a main meal at mid-day. Our menus are being continually evaluated and improved to provide children with a well balanced but enjoyable diet. Complaints or Concerns In accordance with the Children’s Act 1989, all children at Westmorland have access to a complaints procedure. Informal complaints or concerns will be addressed with a child’s classroom staff or Learning Mentor. Formal complaints directly from the child or via a parent/carer or member of staff should be reported directly to Mr G Kirby or Mrs Asher. Complaints or concerns arising from adults also follow set procedures. Firstly the concern should be addressed informally with the school and the issue/s can be resolved. We have had no formal complaints within the last year. Copies of these policies and procedures are available on request from the school office. We learn to live together, together we live to learn SEN All our children have a statement of Special Educational Need. We continually meet all the child’s individual needs through our provision clusters, curriculum, daily structures /routines and through thorough assessment procedures. Each child has a termly Individual Care and Education Plan (ICEP) which highlights a child’s specific objectives to assist their successful achievement. We have a multi-disciplinary team consisting of teachers, care staff, speech and language therapist, educational psychologists, psychotherapist; occupational therapist: all of whom support our children’s future success. All children have access to a sensory room, soft play room and sensory garden We learn to live together, together we live to learn Home / School Liaison Our home/school liaison is outstanding and commented on frequently by parents/carers in meetings. All children on admission to the school are given a home school diary this is completed by the class teacher and TA’s in the class as a brief analysis of the school day. At the end of each day the diary is taken home for parents and carers to read and write any comments. The Pastoral Care Team contact parents and carers on a weekly basis by telephone. Certificates for good work along with certicates and badges for Excellent grades are awarded to children which they then take home. Each half term your child’s learning mentor will ring to give you an educational progress update. English as a Second Language On admission a child’s need for additional support is identified. Appropriate provision is then established prior to the pupils start date. One to one support from a bi-lingual support assistant will be provided if this is an identified requirement. Health & Safety At our school the Health and Safety is coordinated by Mr Baines. The whole site has internal health and safety checks in place for the maintenance staff to complete, an action plan is put in place to rectify any faults. The WGS Group Management and Risk Assessment visits and audits to the school each term. Residential Care Open Day We welcome visitors throughout the school year. Our open, warm and friendly atmosphere makes every-ones’ visit an enjoyable experience. We have open days at Christmas and in the summer term. These days are a good opportunity for children to demonstrate and celebrate their progress to others as well as further strengthening our community links. We have parent evenings with guest speakers which are open to all SEN parents in the area. Referrals & Admission Procedure We specialise in Autism and the development of Behavoural, Emotional and Social skills for pupils between the ages of 5 - 11yrs. Initial enquiries and informal visits are always welcome but referrals will come to us directly from the pupil’s local authority. Applications are considered by our admissions panel and a nonprejudicial visit will then be arranged. Following this visit a place may be offered to pupils whose needs can be fully addressed by the school. Fees and NASS approved contracts will then be agreed with Local authorities. There will be an assessment period followed by an Interim review meeting after 10 weeks. Referrals can be made throughout the academic year If you wish to discuss making a referral please contact Mrs Sue Asher directly. Although Westmorland School is a day school , 52 week care can be provided by the Witherslack Group. High quality residential care and education is available in conjunction with our sister company Witherslack Care. For referral enquiries contact; Witherslack care and education initiatives on 0844 880 6520 Westmorland School SATS Data 2011—2014 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 % of year 6 pupils who participated in English SATs Reading level 3 and above 30% 30% 40% 40% 67% 67% 57% 36% Reading level 4 and above 30% 40% 58% 7.1% Reading Level 5 and above 10% 20% 25% 0% Reading Level 6 Writing/Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar Level 3+ 0% 30% 0% 20% 0% 67% 0% 36% Writing/Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar Level 4+ 0% 20% 33% 0% Writing/Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar Level 5+ Writing/Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar Level 6 0% 0% 20% 0% 25% 8.3% 7.1% 0% % of year 6 pupils who participated in Maths SATs 20% 60% 67% 57% Maths Level 3+ 20% 60% 67% 36% Maths Level 4+ 20% 40% 58% 29% Maths Level 5+ 0% 20% 25% 0% Maths Level 6 0% 0% 8.3% 0% % Gaining level 3 and above in Maths and Reading 0% 0% 0% 21% % Gaining level 4 and above in Maths and English (reading and SP&G) % Gaining level 4 and above in Maths and Reading % Gaining level 5 and above in Maths and English (reading and SP&G) % Gaining level 5 and above in Maths and Reading 0% 20% 33% 7.1% 20% 0% 20% 0% 58% 8.3% 0% 0% 0% 0% 17% 0% We learn to live together, together we live to learn The Witherslack group has been established since 1972. The WG maintains the vision statement of ‘promoting resilience: developing independence’ where all our children are highly respected and we utilise our deep rooted philosophical base of ‘resilience theory’. Policies Westmorland school has a full and comprehensive set of policies which are available on request from the school office. Pontville School Westmorland School Cumberland School Key stage 2,3,4,5 Key stage 1 and 2 Key stage 3 and 4 Thank you for taking the time to read through our prospectus. We hope it has been informative and offered you an insight into Westmorland School. If you have not already visited our school please make arrangements to visit us soon. Contact Head teacher; Mrs Sue Asher on 01257 278899. We learn to live together, together we live to learn Parent/Carer Page Welcome to Westmorland School Our ‘We’ Westmorland Rules Our Parent/Carer Partnership •We are here to work and play We are happy to take this opportunity to welcome both you and your child to Westmorland School. •We look after ourselves and each other •We look after our school Co-operation, trust and teamwork between home and school is paramount to the success of our children. Please support your child in achieving the ‘We’ Westmorland rules in school and during off site activities. Westmorland School is in Chorley. It is a day special school for up to 52 pupils with Autistic Spectrum Condition and to support Behavioural ,Emotional and Social development. Background/Ethos The education of your child is of prime importance. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum which follows the National Curriculum and also provide a wide range of activities and visits to enrich your child’s learning. Individual needs are met through personalised programmes, differentiation and ICEPs. targets (Individual Care and Education Plans) Your child’s progress is tracked and interventions put into place to ensure that your child makes the best possible progress. Home /School Liaison Reports Home/school contact You will receive a half termly interim report on your child’s progress and a detailed report in the summer term. Contact with school is encouraged. All children have a Communication Book. Reviews Phone calls Your involvement in your child’s progress is very important to us. You will be invited to an initial review after 8 weeks of your child starting Westmorland School. Individual targets are set and you may take away a copy of your child’s ICEP. Your child also has a yearly review of their Education and Health Care Plan/Statement of Special Educational Needs. Your views on your child’s progress will be sought and you will receive an invitation to the review. Your child’s Learning Mentor will contact you by phone on a regular basis to discuss your child’s learning. The Head/Assistant Head of Pastoral Care or Pastoral Assistants will ring you regularly to update you on your child’s progress and to discuss any RPI situations. Pastoral Care staff will arrange a home visit before the review. Your views We are proud of what we do. We want you to be pleased with what we do, so your views are very important to us. You can use the Communication Book, phone calls, letters and review meetings to express your views. You may also sometimes be asked to complete a questionnaire asking for your views. Parents are encouraged to contact school if they have any concerns or information they wish to share.. We ask you to hear your child read on a regular basis. We have reading camps involving an overnight stay at school and exciting activities for your child . What clothing and equipment the school provides: All pupils are provided with a school uniform consisting of a polo shirt and sweatshirt. PE kit, including pumps is also provided. Your child is also given a school bag. You will need to provide your child with black school shoes for daily wear (not trainers please) & grey trousers (If you send a receipt into school, you will be reimbursed for the trousers). School trips are funded by school. Your child should not bring money to school. If there are occasions when your child is asked to bring in money eg for charity events, you will be informed by letter and/or Communication Books. We learn to live together, together we live to learn Frequently Asked Questions What happens if my child is unwell? When does my child need to bring in money? If your child is too ill to attend school please ring the school office. If your child is ill in transport or at school we will ring you. All staff are trained in First Aid. There may be occasions when your child needs to come home. We will ring you to arrange this. Who do I send medication in to? All school trips are paid for by school. The only time your child should need to bring money in is for charity events. You will be informed by letter and Home/School Diary of these occasions. What happens if my child does something wrong? We will speak to your child encouraging them to make the right choices. Positive behaviour is rewarded. There may be a sanction eg Catch-up time at break/lunch time. Contact Pastoral Staff who are able to administer medicines. Please make sure medicines are prescribed by your doctor and There may be occasions where you wish to impose a sanction at home too - this is always your choice. clearly labelled with your child’s name and dosage. What happens if my child doesn’t like the dinner? What do I do if my child is being bullied? School meals are healthy and regularly reviewed, taking into Encourage your child to talk to you. account children’s preferences. Children can choose a sandwich option. If you would like a copy of our menus please Try not to over-react. Your child is more likely to open up if ask us. If we are concerned about your child’s diet we will you can remain calm. contact you. Contact us. We take issues of ‘bullying behaviour’ very seriously. Your concerns will be dealt with sensitively and you will informed of all steps taken. When can I visit school? We encourage all parent/carers to visit the school regularly; You will be invited to review meetings, end of term Open Days in the Autumn and Summer terms. On these days you will have the opportunity to meet class staff and see your child’s work. TEAM TEACH SAFEGUARDING Complaints To protect pupils and comply with the Who do I speak to if I want to complain? All WS staff are trained in TEAM requirements of the Department of TEACH. If your child is in danger of Contact class staff initially who will do Education, the school has a duty to refer hurting themselves or others then staff their best to address your complaint. If any concerns about the well being of may physically intervene as a last pupils to the local Child Protection Team, your complaint needs further action it resort. We will always attempt to de- via the Designated Safeguarding Officer. will be passed to the senior staff team. escalate a situation verbally first. You Most complaints can be dealt with Our Safeguarding Officers are will be informed by phone on the same informally. If a formal complaint is made Mr. G Kirby & Mr Henderson day if your child has had a Restrictive your complaint will be recorded in the Supported by Positive Intervention. We fully de-brief complaints log and the appropriate all children following an RPI but if Mrs S Asher action recorded. You will be contacted parents or children have any concerns once the investigation is complete. please contact the school directly. Where do children go to after Westmorland? You may want your child to continue their education with us. We have Key Stage 3 and 4 schools. The options about where your child goes to after leaving Westmorland are discussed with your local authority at your child’s annual review. It is important that you and your child’s views are taken into consideration. You are encouraged to start thinking of suitable schools and visit these towards the end of Year 5. Cumberland School Pontville School (Behavioural ,Emotional and Social Difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Conditions) (Communication Difficulties) Church Road Bamber Bridge Nr. Preston Lancashire Black Moss Lane Ormskirk Lancashire L39 4TW Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you would like more information regarding any of these issues please contact the school. Copies of all policies are available to you on request from the school office. We learn to live together, together we live to learn Staff Names & Title Children’s Chat Mrs Asher – Head Teacher Mr Lynas– Deputy Head Teacher Welcome to Westmorland School Mr Kirby – Deputy Head/ Head of Pastoral Care Our ‘ Westmorland Rules’ We are here to work and play We look after ourselves and each other We look after our school Mrs Lewis Guinness—Senior Teacher Mrs Bateson– Teacher Mr Lewis Guinness -Teacher Mrs Harrison - Teacher Ms Smith - Senco & Teacher BEARS- (Becoming, Emotionally Aware, Resilient, Sociable) BIG CATS- (Becoming Independent, Gaining Confidence, Achievement, Therapy: Success) Mrs Nally Teacher Ms Atkinson Teacher and play football, cricket, Higher Level Teaching Assistants.,Mr Niven, Mrs Davidson, Mrs Farnworth Teaching Assistants, Mrs Farnworth, Mrs Lowe, Mrs Ramsdale, Ms Eden., Mr Warrington, Ms Kilty, Ms Cooper, Ms Leach, Ms Elliott Rewards: Are given based on rugby, rounder’s and other team games. Assistant Head of Pastoral Care Mr weekly grades: Diamond Award This is our uniform Here is some information which should help you to settle in; approach.. During PE lesson’s the children have the opportunity to learn Whincup. £3.50, Gold Award £2.50, Silver Award £ 1.50. Children can also receive merit points for the good behaviour in school. Activities :Swimming lessons, PE, Educational visits, Class reward trips Lessons: We have a topic based Pastoral Care Assistants During the school year we have class trips and have visited the following places: Blue Planet Aquarium, Wakefield Mining Museum, Tatton Park, Chester & Blackpool Zoo. At Christmas Cats children attend a Pantomime at Blackburn’s King George’s Hall or watch a pantomime at school . Bears children attend a Pantomomime in school. Mr Henderson / Mrs Wright Mrs Bytheway–Office Manager Mrs Baines- Office / Reception Maintenance - Mr Lacy, Mr Baines Transport Drivers /Escorts- Mr Clifford, Mr Lacy, Mr Whalley, Mr Fielding, Mr Barker, Mr Baines, Mr Whalley, Mr Myler School uniform blue sweatshirt and polo shirt. Grey/black Trousers, all provided by the school. Black shoes provided by parents / carers. Mr Price School Cook Mrs Clifford - Kitchen Assistant ————— After Morning Break the children are offered a piece of fruit which they eat when they return to class. School Lunch. This is what some of our pupils think about Westmorland School I have a learning mentor in class. It’s the best Staff help us with our work. It’s a good school to come to with good friends. We have good school trips. People are friendly. At the end of each week we get rewards certificates and vouchers. I like the Art. Good break times playing football and riding the trikes. The lessons are interesting. When it’s your birthday you get a cake and birthday money. Staff are fair they listen to both sides of a story if there is a We have Wake and Shake in a morning problem. School dinners are great. These are some of the comments made by children who attended Westmorland School. and moved on to start their secondary education in Y7. The school has a four week menu. The children can pick their own choice of meal from soup and a sandwich or a main meal. For desert you can choose from fruit or yoghurt The kitchen staff will also provide for any cultural or dietary needs. Each break on the big playground you can play football or pedal around on a trike. We also have the small playground where you can play on the climbing frames or run around playing with the other children. We learn to live together, together we live to learn The children at Westmorland School come to School to learn The staff at Westmorland School are here to listen and help you deal with any problems Some questions you may have What do I do if I don’t feel well? Tell any member of staff, who will inform Pastoral staff, they will then speak to parents / carers Who do I speak to if I want to change something in school? Speak to class in circle time and this will then be taken to the next pupil voice meeting. Who do I speak to if I want to complain? Inform any member of staff who will inform a senior member of staff. You will then have the complaints procedures explained to you. What do I do if I feel I am being bullied? Tell any member of staff who will address your concerns. What happens if I don’t come in my uniform? Pastoral Care team will arrange a spare uniform for you. What happens if I do something wrong? Teachers and TA’s will give advice and encourage you to make the right choices in class. The Pastoral Team will do the same out side the classroom. What can I bring in to School? The school day starts with Breakfast Club and morning assembly in the assembly hall for the children in Cats. Bears children have their morning assembly in class after Breakfast Club. Coat, school shoes, school bag, trainers, home school diary, swimming kit if required. No money is required. What happens if I don’t like the dinner? The school menu is regularly reviewed by staff and children in school council meetings. Who do I speak to if work is too difficult? Work will be set that matches your ability. If you are struggling then let your teacher or a member of staff know. Children take part in off site trips . Here is a picture of staff and children form Koala's class enjoying a teddy bears picnic at Yarrow Valley Park. Where do I go after Westmorland? Westmorland School has two local secondary schools; one in Bamber Bridge called Cumberland School, and one in Ormskirk called Chris Foy the premier league referee talking to the children at Westmorland School in a morning assembly Pontville School. This means the Witherslack Group of Schools can now provide Education for children from reception age straight through to Year 11. Both schools will be able to offer the same support for the children, using the same routines and structure. This will then make the transition from primary to secondary education more comfortable. A recent comment by a parent of an ex pupil at Westmorland Visits are arranged in Y6 to support children in their transition from primary to secondary school. School. ‘Don’t change anything you do’ How will I know what to do when I arrive? On arrival at the school staff will meet you and escort you into school to your class teacher. and staff, you will be offered breakfast and a drink, whilst playing board games, reading comics and magazines A member of the Pastoral or colouring. It is then time Team will introduce them- for the morning assembly. A member of staff will take selves and take you for the assembly, during this your school uniform. assembly you will be introAfter putting on your new duced to your new Teacher uniform Cats children will and TA. go into the breakfast club to meet your new friends After assembly you will be taken to your class and shown where your desk and chair is. Bears children once you have uniform you will be taken back to class to enjoy playing board games and socializing with your new class. You will then have breakfast in class before the morning assembly. After morning assembly lessons start for both Bears and Cats children. Children attending the autism show which was held in July 2015 at Manchester