Witherslack GroupPromoting Resilience : Developing Independence

Schools awarded Autism Accreditation Staff, pupils and parents at Westmorland and Pontville School, both based in Lancashire, are celebrating after they recently received Autism Accreditation from the National Autistic Society.

The acclaimed award, which aims to improve the quality of care and education for people with autism through a unifi ed standard of excellence, provides parents and carers with peace of mind when choosing a school for their child. The accreditation is designed to provide autism-specifi c quality assurance on the provision and services a school offers.

On learning of the award for her school Elaine Riley, Head Teacher of Pontville School, said: “The inspection was extremely comprehensive and covered such a wide range of our activity and services, so we are really pleased to have achieved such a positive outcome.”

Sue Asher, Head Teacher of Westmorland School, added: “The run up to the inspection was demanding and we had to make sure every element of our provision exceeded the expectations; it is brilliant to fi nally know we have been awarded the accreditation.”

According to the National Autistic Society’s criteria the accreditation shows the schools have a specialised knowledge and understanding of autism, which consistently informs its resources and management as well as shaping its practice and provision.

Iain Sim, Deputy Director of Autistic Spectrum Conditions for the Witherslack Group, concluded: “We’re thrilled that our Pontville and Westmorland Schools now join our Witherslack Hall School in receiving the Autism Accreditation. This means when people look to these schools as a possibility for their child they will be confi dent that they will be receiving the highest level of quality support and care.”

The Witherslack Group is a leading provider of specialist education and care for children and young people with behavioural, emotional and social diffi culties, communication diffi culties (autistic spectrum conditions, Asperger’s Syndrome, speech and language impairment) and complex learning needs. The Group’s portfolio of schools and children’s homes provide a diverse day, residential, 52 week and therapeutic system of education and care.The Witherslack Group always puts the interests of each young person fi rst and will only accept a placement into our schools and homes when the Head Teacher / Home Manager is confi dent, having considered the needs of the individual and the cohort, that we have the specifi c resources to provide the stability of placement necessary to build resilience and confi dence and so enable us to deliver the best possible outcomes for the young person. If you would like to discuss our provision or would like to arrange a visit to one of our schools, please contact 015395 66081 or email admin@witherslackgroup.co.uk

Newsletter Winter 2014

Pontville School Westmorland School

ALSO IN THIS EDITION...

Adventure holiday for Woodlands

Building friendships at Chilworth House

Avon Park’s double celebration

Outstanding Ofsteds!

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Witherslack Group Newsletter Winter 2014

Over the summer the young people at Woodlands children’s home swapped their usual sun and sandy beach holiday for an adventure break that would test their physical fi tness, mental focus and teamwork.

The six intrepid explorers, accompanied by six members of staff, visited PGL Dalguise on the edge of the Craigvinean Forest at the heart of Scotland’s ‘Big Tree Country’. During their trip they took part in a range of challenging activities including archery, canoeing, abseiling and zip lining.

Young people reach new heights

One challenge saw each young person leap from a high platform and try to hit a ball on the way down under the direction of their team mates below. However, possibly the most daunting activity was the infamous ‘Jacob’s Ladder’, a vertical ladder of logs, set at increasing heights apart that the team had to climb together. The young people from Woodlands are a fearless group though and excitedly took to completing the task with real energy and enthusiasm.

The trip was a brilliant experience for all involved and all of the young people left with increased levels of confi dence and team working skills. Lisa Nobbs, Registered Home Manager, proudly commented: “It was a fantastic experience for all of us. The holiday brought out some amazing qualities in the young people. They showed high levels of application, determination, team work and the joy that everyone receives from achieving something that at fi rst seemed impossible. We’re all really proud of them – well done Woodlands!”

Young people reach

New developments for 2015

The Witherslack Group is delighted to announce the planned opening of two new provisions in 2015.

Hall Cliffe School, located in Horbury near Wakefi eld, will be an impressive addition to the Group’s national portfolio of educational establishments and will further build on a reputation of high quality specialist education for young people with complex learning needs.

Following a period of re-development and upgrading, the school will open in early 2015 and will offer state of the art educational resources and facilities for young people from the ages of 8 - 16 years.

2015 will also see the Group launch Oakwood, a specialist, 52 week fully integrated provision providing high quality care, education and therapy for young people aged 8 -18 with complex educational needs and challenging behaviours.

The young people attending Oakwood will live in one of the two 52 week children’s homes which are located on-site. These purpose built homes will provide an extremely high quality living experience for young people who are unable to live in a family context. The six acre site offers a tranquil, semi-rural setting close to Redworth, County Durham.

This development builds on the success of The Grange, with many of the features of this ‘Ofsted outstanding’ provision being replicated in the development of Oakwood.

For more information about these new developments visit www.witherslackgroup.co.uk

, located in Horbury near

New developments

is delighted to announce

Artist’s impression of Oakwood

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Winter 2014 Witherslack Group Newsletter

The results followed the continued commitment and hard work from pupils and staff during lesson time and the results achieved means each pupil will now move onto the next level of assessment for the coming term.

These achievements, along with the increased involvement of pupils in courses at college and the Vocational Centre, mean that the young people at Meadow View are experiencing a broad range of opportunities to thrive and reach positive outcomes. The range of vocational courses allows the young people to obtain qualifi cations which supplement their educational learning.

Chris Ormiston, Head Teacher, praised the young people by saying: “I am proud of the signifi cant amount of work that’s been put in by pupils and staff during the exam process. Pupils, who were disengaged with education for long periods prior to joining Meadow View are now prospering after being given the opportunity to prove themselves academically. It is a real credit to them.”

Exam success at Meadow View

Young people at The Grange Learning Centre are always encouraged to share their views and ideas. There are many ways that they can do this, including taking part in the regular Pupil Voice meetings. These allow the young people to have a real say in future developments at The Grange.

Following a suggestion at a recent meeting, young people from the Grange Learning Centre were invited to apply for the post of school ambassador. This role would cover a range of responsibilities including joining The Grange Ambassadorial Team, were they would work with staff to further the development of The Grange, both on site and in the wider community.

Two pupils, Clarke and Kevin, put themselves forward to be considered for the role and submitted written applications. They were then invited to attend a formal interview, during which they both demonstrated real passion and vision for the role.

Eric Richardson, a pastoral care assistant at The Grange and a member of the selection panel, commented: “The interview was a formal occasion which the pupils rose to. They gave exceptionally good answers and had some innovative ideas for the development of this new role in school.”

After the interviews the panel couldn’t decide between the two impressive candidates and so invited both Clarke and Kevin to become ambassadors.

Chris Strong, Deputy Director of Schools, welcomed both to the roles by saying: “I am delighted to see Clarke and Kevin stepping up to become ambassadors for The Grange. They will not only make a valuable contribution to this role, but will take on responsibilities and develop skills that will serve them well as they progress into further education or their chosen careers.”

Meadow View

3

Exam success at Meadow View

It has been smiles all round at Meadow View Learning Centre following the presentation of exam certifi cates to those young people who successfully passed exams in Maths, English and ICT. For some of the young people the results were even more impressive due to the fact that it was the fi rst time they had undertaken any type of external qualifi cation, which further illustrated the signifi cant academic progress being made.

Ambassadorial roles for pupils

The Grange

4

Witherslack Group Newsletter Winter 2014

At Cedar House School pupils enjoy a diverse curriculum which encourages individual development and interests, resulting in a range of opportunities and experiences for young people to enjoy and succeed in.

The school recently joined forces with local charity Pioneer Projects which specialises in bringing individuals and communities together through creativity. The innovative concept uses arts and celebration to positively impact peoples lives.

Over the past few months, young people at Cedar House have taken part in a range of activities including art sessions at the charities ‘Art Shed’ and most recently a project to create a large lantern, which took pride of place at the local community bonfi re exhibition.

However, the project has not just caught the imagination of the young people. They were recently surprised by a visit from the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, Mr Tom Ramsden, and his wife Jane who spent time talking to the young people about their work and said how impressed they were with their creativity and community spirit.

Lynda Graveson, a representative of Pioneer Projects, was also equally impressed, saying: ‘It is a pleasure having the young people involved with us. In addition to individual arts projects, their contribution to our garden project and to the community events is invaluable. They are always so enthusiastic and polite.”

Kath Taylor, Head Teacher, added: “Working with Pioneer Projects gives students an opportunity

to express themselves through creativity and imagination, to explore their artistic side and develop their social responsibility by giving back to the public. It was a proud moment for pupils and staff to see the lantern lit in front of the entire community – well done to everyone involved.”

A group of Witherslack Hall School young people have recently returned from the school’s annual sailing voyage. The boys had a fantastic trip, aboard the tall ship Leader, which saw them sail from Oban to Liverpool, taking in many stops along the way.

During their time on the high seas, the young men took part in many activities and visited lots of interesting places. One of the fi rst locations was Tobermory where they took a dingy to the shore and fi shed for mackerel, which later made a fantastic afternoon tea.

Next was Seil Island where they saw wildlife including cormorants, gannets, seals and porpoises. Once anchored it was time for an introduction to the Scottish Sea, as the brave boys donned wetsuits and made a big splash into the cold and salty water.

Those that made the 5am start the next morning were treated to a sunrise at sea and the experience of sailing between two lighthouses in the narrow channel. The very same day the sailors stopped at the McCormack Islands and visited a cave that was inhabited nearly 1500 years ago, but the best was still yet to come when they spotted a whale off the coast of Islay.

After spending time in Islay it was onto Bangor in Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and their fi nal destination, Liverpool.

Not only was it an amazing adventure but the young men achieved accreditation in Start Yachting, Competent Crew and Watch Leader with the Royal Yachting Association, a Discovery Award and Explore Award with John Muir, and the Trinity Sailing Foundation’s Voyage Certifi cate.

Celebrating creativity at Cedar House Cedar House School

Pupils set sail for success

Robin Adams, Head Teacher, welcomed the crew home and praised them by saying: “The trip had such a positive impact on all of the young people. They returned with a defi nite sense of achievement having reached personal goals that they previously had thought not possible.”

Witherslack Hall School

5

Winter 2014 Witherslack Group Newsletter

For the children at Chilworth House School it’s important not only to develop academically, but socially and emotionally as well. This is a vital part of growing up; building positive relationships with friends and knowing the correct way to interact with individuals. Having these skills will help pupils as they move forward into secondary school and onto employment.

Chilworth House School is demonstrating that peer mentoring can play a pivotal role in developing this type of interaction and communication. The scheme involves work between older and younger pupils. Both mentor and mentee are set objectives which are linked to the social and life skills curriculum, which focuses on developing self-esteem and self-regulatory skills.

The initiative has proven to be a huge success with children commenting that the project has helped them to

Chilworth House School

Nurturing positive relationships

Science leads the way

Young people at Chilworth House Upper School are enjoying their Science lessons more than ever after the launch of a new state-of-the-art science laboratory at the school’s Arts and Vocational Centre.

Staff and pupils have been eagerly awaiting the completion of the laboratory which includes a range of new facilities, including data logging equipment to enable pupils to visualise complex ideas and situations, new BES circuit components for electronics and engaging equipment designed to spark scientifi c imagination and cultivate scientists of the future.

Already the new equipment is proving hugely popular with the ‘scientists of tomorrow’ and has allowed the young people to not only accelerate their learning and development in the subject, but also take a real hands on approach to their studies. From animal eye balls in Biology, exciting lessons with the Van De Graaf Generator in Physics, or creating explosive bubbles with oxygen and hydrogen in Chemistry, every science lesson at Chilworth House Upper now has the facilities and expertise to be fun, engaging and inspiring.

Chilworth House Upper School

improve their independence, decision making and ability to stay calm. As a result pupils are able to develop and nurture positive relationships which contributes to the encouraging ethos of Chilworth House School.

One of the pupils involved in this initiative is Leon Clarke, aged 9, who took the role of a peer mentor . He has not only enjoyed being a mentor but also understood the importance of helping younger pupils. Leon said of his experience: “I am in Alder Class. I peer mentor Cameron who is in Willow Class. That means I have a badge and I’m here to help at all times. I help teach Cameron to use the right words, to make friends, calm down when he is upset and talk to me when he is sad. I like being a peer mentor because I like to share with others and be a good friend.”

Gareth Smith, Science Teacher, comments: “This really is a state-of-the-art, bespoke laboratory and teaching area. The new lab is a pleasure to work in and really helps to engage the pupils with their learning. Pupils are already enjoying increased practical opportunities and successes in GCSE practical assessments because of it.”

Leon and Cameron – best of friends!

6

Witherslack Group Newsletter Winter 2014

As an Outstanding Ofsted School, Lakeside is always looking at ways to further develop and expand its offering to both current and future pupils. The most recent addition to the school is the opening of a fi fth classroom. The new class has been named Holly Class and will continue with the outstanding work already taking place at Lakeside.

Holly Class is home to seven of the youngest pupils

at the school who require a signifi cant amount of

support and intervention. The open and bright space

gives pupils the opportunity to experience a range of

exciting educational activities, such as sand, water,

construction toys, a well-stocked writing table,

painting easel and a sensory table containing clay.

The new class also offers opportunities for free play so

that the children can access areas of personal interest

and enjoyment.

As well as the new room, Lakeside has welcomed a

new class teacher and three teaching assistants to

support the children throughout their learning and

development. The teaching in Holly Class is done in

pairs or one on one to ensure full understanding for

every child. There are also three Literacy groups so

each child is taught at the most appropriate level.

Fundraising at Grange ViewStaff and young people at Grange View children’s home, with support from the Learning Centre, recently organised a Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. The event, which was attended by staff, pupils and parents and carers, not only raised money for a great cause but gave the young people involved the opportunity to showcase their baking skills. The day captured the imagination of the ‘Master Chefs’, as they produced a banquet of delicious goodies, including cakes, pies, quiches and sandwiches.

A fantastic £228 was raised for such a worthy cause and the young people felt a real sense of achievement and pride in supporting a charity which helps others when they need it most.

Kay Golightly, a Residential Support Worker at Grange View, praised the fundraising effort by saying: “Everyone really enjoyed the coffee morning. It was great to see the young people working together to make it such a success and take pride in all the food they baked.”

Lakeside welcomes new class

Lakeside School

Holly class has already proven a huge hit with the pupils;

Finley comments: “I like working with my teachers to do different things. My favourite place is the water and sand”, while Kellsie adds: “I like working by myself with my teacher because it’s easier to learn things”, and Kassia says: “This is the best school because I can write sentences by myself now.”

Class teacher Sara Leyland, echoes her pupils’

comments by saying: “The way the new class is set up means I can work closely with each child and we’re already seeing them make further progression with their reading and writing. It’s wonderful to watch the children coming on and really enjoy their learning.”

7

Winter 2014 Witherslack Group Newsletter

Avon Park School staff and pupils have had good cause to celebrate of late. The school celebrated its first birthday on the 4th November and received an early birthday present when Ofsted graded Avon Park as Good following the school’s first inspection. The school has rapidly developed over the course of its first year and to receive such a positive result further re-enforces the progress made by both staff and pupils.

Double celebration for Avon Park

The inspectors praised staff and pupils in their report,

writing: “Senior leaders have high expectations and support staff well so that there is a clear focus on transforming the learning, emotional and behavioural difficulties faced by the pupils.”

The inspectors graded the school ‘Good in all areas’ and

praised Avon Park’s innovative use of technology saying:

“Very effective use of tablet computers by every pupil enhances learning and helps re-engage pupils with learning.”

Kelley Fray, Deputy Director of Schools, commented:

“Our first birthday celebrations were made even better by the news of our first Ofsted report. The school has had a brilliant first year and I am so pleased that Ofsted have recognised the work of the staff and the fabulous development of our young people.”

Read the full report by visiting

www.witherslackgroup.co.uk/avon-park-school

Avon Park School

Pupil finds passion for travelCumberland School has a track record of successfully ensuring fantastic outcomes for its young people.

A recent success, which brought a smile to many faces, concerned a Year 10 pupil called Lucy, who joined the school in Year 7 with a range of complex learning difficulties. During her time at school, Lucy progressed significantly and benefited from a range of support, including speech and language therapy and extra reading intervention. This was enhanced by exceptional communication between school and the children’s home where Lucy lives, resulting in far better than expected progression academically, socially and emotionally.

As Lucy prepared for her final year at Cumberland School and the next steps into further education, it was identified by both school and home staff that she would benefit from a more creative learning experience.

The result – during the summer term Lucy went on a 4 day trip to London, supported by staff, where she experienced a wide range of tasks and social situations that resulted in huge skill development and overall personal growth. The trip was meticulously planned and had an immediate positive impact on her academic progress in Literacy and Numeracy.

Lucy has gained so much confidence and self-esteem from the trip that she is now working with staff in planning her first trip abroad. She is taking the lead in researching destinations, culture, currency and language, while at the same time applying for her passport. Lucy is not only enjoying this new found love of travel but her work is also contributing to her AQA accreditation.

Lucy’s social worker was so impressed with what Lucy has achieved that she praised the initiative and support of staff by saying: “The joint work between home and school has been fantastic, it has enabled this young person to develop her aspirations and outlook on the world around her.”

Find out more about Cumberland School by visiting www.witherslackgroup.co.uk/ cumberland-school

Cumberland School

Offi cially Outstanding!

The Ofsted report summarised what The Birches is

achieving by saying: “The children’s home is making an outstanding difference to young people’s lives. The commitment and quality of care provided by staff enables young people to make and sustain exceptionally good progress.” While, The Grange received similar praise from its inspection, with

comments including: “The home provides exceptional personalised, well planned care for the children. The individual needs of each child are taken into account and their views and wishes listened to.”

Nicki Carroll, the Registered Manager of The Birches,

commented: “As a team, we continue to strive to deliver the highest possible standards of care and support to our young people. It is fantastic to be awarded another Outstanding result by Ofsted,

Staff and young people at The Birches and The Grange children’s homes are celebrating after receiving Outstanding Ofsted reports. The Birches, based in Southport, is home to young people with speech, language and social communication diffi culties, while The Grange, located in Durham, meets the needs of young people with complex educational needs, communicational diffi culties and challenging behaviours.

but more importantly it is wonderful to know that we are supporting our young people in a way that allows them to succeed and look to the future with real positivity.”

Cris Lee, the Registered Manager at The Grange, added:

“We are committed to our young people and work tirelessly to ensure they have the best support and care possible. It was a delight to receive the outstanding result and know that Ofsted recognises that we are giving our young people the greatest opportunity to develop and thrive as they approach maturity.”

”

The Ofsted report summarised what The Birches is

challenging behaviours.

”

Group Offi ceLupton Tower, Lupton via Carnforth, Cumbria LA6 2PR

Tel: 015395 66081Email: admin@witherslackgroup.co.ukWebsite: www.witherslackgroup.co.uk

52 Week Care & Integrated

Therapeutic ProvisionTel: 0844 880 6520

Email: placements@witherslackgroup.co.uk

Avon Park SchoolSt. Johns Avenue, Rugby, Warwickshire CV22 5HR

Tel: 01788 524448

Cedar House SchoolBentham, Lancaster LA2 7DD

Tel: 015242 61149

Chilworth House SchoolThame Road, Wheatley, Oxford OX33 1JP

Tel: 01844 339 077

Chilworth House Upper SchoolGrooms Farm, Thame Road, Wheatley, Oxford OX33 1JP

Tel: 01844 337720

Cumberland SchoolChurch Road, Bamber Bridge, Preston

Lancashire PR5 6EPTel: 01772 284 435

Lakeside SchoolNaylors Road, Liverpool L27 2YA

Tel: 0151 487 7211

Pontville SchoolBlack Moss Lane, Ormskirk, Lancashire L39 4TW

Tel: 01695 578 734

Westmorland SchoolWeldbank Lane, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 3NQ

Tel: 01257 278 899

Witherslack Hall SchoolWitherslack, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 6SD

Tel: 01539 552 397

For further infomation and copies of this newsletter please contact: 015395 66081 or admin@witherslackgroup.co.uk

To receive all latest news and updates, become a ‘Friend of The Group’ by visiting www.witherslackgroup.co.uk or join us on Facebook and Twitter by searching Witherslack Group.

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Witherslack Group Newsletter Winter 2014