Sketchley Horizon Education
Sketchley Horizon adopts a multidisciplinary approach to education using the best practice from models such as TEACCH and those developed throughout Priory Education Services. Pupils have access to the National Curriculum, adapted and modified to meet their individual needs. They will learn in small classes of up to six and are grouped by key stage to ensure education is at the right level.Our pupils learn how to develop effective compensatory strategies to overcome difficulties in social and emotional processing, communication and flexibility in thinking and behaviour.
All individuals with autism appear to suffer from stress as both a direct and indirect consequence of their condition. Some stress can be reduced by making environments as 'autism-friendly' as possible and reducing social and sensory bombardment. The design of the school and the structure of the educational programmes are created to achieve this.
Pupils engage in physical activities in line with the National Curriculum throughout the week and make full use of the indoor swimming pool and gym. These opportunities are designed to build stamina and to reduce excess energy and anxiety.
Our teaching approach provides physical and visual opportunities for learning and helps pupils to achieve their full potential by understanding their limitations and making the most of their abilities. Managing expectations is a core part of the programme. We seek to promote self-confidence and self-esteem by building on pupils' strengths.
The development of communication, personal and social education skills will form a major part of a pupil's individual education programme (IEP with emphasis placed on establishing appropriate behaviour and self-control in all settings. Regular opportunities for pupils to use their social skills in the local community are built in to the educational programme.
Our aim is to bring out the best in each pupil to enable them to live happy, functioning and meaningful lives. Sketchley Horizon School offers a safe, structured and predictable environment for pupils to develop the skills they need to live as independently as possible and make real life choices as they reach adulthood.
Sketchley Horizon School works to establish a close partnership with parents in order to support pupil progression and get the very best out of them in all areas. We keep parents well informed of their child's progress and encourage them to participate in their child's development programme as much as possible.
Each pupil is viewed as an individual with his or her specific needs being met in appropriate ways, with individuality being encouraged. Independence is fostered and pupils are encouraged to strive towards their full potential. At all times Sketchley Horizon School recognises the special needs of each pupil and ensures that the learning opportunities provided for them and the targets set for them reflect and address these needs.
We aim to develop independence for every individual according to their own abilities. Skills will include:
- Strategies for handling anxieties
- Ability to minimise and handle distress
- Strategies for appropriate behaviour in all settings
- Ability to make individual choices