Education

Oliver House School adopts a multidisciplinary approach to education and learning using the best practice models such as TEACCH, active learning programmes and intensive interactions. Our pupils learn how to develop effective learning strategies to overcome their difficulties in social and emotional processing, communication and flexibility in thinking and behaviour.

By emphasising communication and empathy for pupils and by drawing on specific approaches the whole school environment is designed to provide structure, calmness and clarity to each pupil to reduce their anxiety and promote learning in a safe and happy environment. All pupils have access to the National Curriculum, which is adapted and modified according to the individual needs and abilities of each pupil. Teaching takes place in one of the new specially designed classrooms with well identified areas designated to different teaching techniques. Teaching groups have high levels of support with small groups of up to six pupils, to ensure that learning support is provided for every individual.

Brothers of Charity Enterprise is one part of the post 16 curriculum, through which young people are able to access work experience placements in horticulture, animal care, bakery and print.

Individual education plans (IEPs)

All young people have an individual education plan (IEP) and individual care plan (ICP) with personal targets which meet their individual needs including access to the National Curriculum. Close links are essential between education, care and therapy to provide integrated and consistent programmes. The focus is on enabling students to generalise their level of independence, and take it outside the school into the community and their residential environment.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide rich learning experiences that reflect the individual needs, abilities and interests of each young person. Young people learn in small, well-equipped classes of up to six
and are grouped together by Key Stage.

Each pupil is assessed for a period of 12 weeks, during which time their learning outcomes in each subject are assessed and evaluated together with their personal and behavioural needs. An individual action education plan is produced which contains personalised targets highlighted in the students Statement of Special Educational Need.

Young people will work towards achieving these targets within a set period of time. Targets are amended according to progress usually over a six to twelve week period, with a review at six weeks. The unique curriculum is devised by Oliver House School as a framework for teaching. The content is based on the
National Curriculum and defined in very small steps of learning and achievement, including good behaviour.

All subjects of the National Curriculum are covered and often combined with other subjects within a themed approach.

Individual learning programmes are developed for each student, which are focused on improving skills in:

• Emotional development
• Literacy
• Numeracy
• Physical development
• Social development

Students are encouraged to strive towards their full potential.