25838 Abbey Court Prospectus

Foreword from the Chair of Governors Starting a new school can be exciting and yet daunting for both the child and their family.

I hope that the information within this prospectus will allay any apprehensions you may have and that within the ‘Abbey Court Family’, your child will find a school that is outstanding, respecting, enabling and caring: a place where your child will flourish.

Once you find out all that Abbey Court has to offer your child, I trust that you too will soon feel an essential part of the ‘Abbey Court Family’.

I look forward to meeting you and your child in person in the coming months.

Jean Kerr, Chair of Governors

Welcome to

Abbey Court School Dear Parents, Although you may not yet have visited the school, I am pleased to be able to share with you here some information which will give you a glimpse of life at Abbey Court.

I am sure you will have many questions about entrusting the education and the care of your child to the school and its staff.

The staff are enthusiastic and dedicated, and strive to provide all pupils with the best possible education.

Pupils at Abbey Court achieve very well and make outstanding progress. We have some excellent resources and are very proud of our school. We hope you find the information provided useful and that your family’s association with the school will be both happy and successful.

“ Abbey Court School – what can I say other than an outstanding school, with truly amazing staff.”

Parent Survey 2021

Further information can be obtained from the school and/or downloaded from our website: www.abbeycourt.medway.sch.uk.

We look forward to meeting you very soon.

Yours sincerely, Karen Joy, Headteacher

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All Abbey Court pupils have Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) or Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) as their main presenting need.

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Additional educational needs may include: visual/hearing impairment, sensory impairment, autism and/or physical disability. Maintained

by Medway Local Authority, all pupils have Educational Health Care Plans (EHCPs).

Admissions The school’s Admission Policy clearly outlines the procedure and guidance for successful applications.

If a child meets the admissions criteria (which are summarised below), the following action is taken.

Either - Informal or formal referral from Medway SEN Department through the Decision Making Group, Or - Direct contact from a parent which must be confirmed by a referral from Medway SEN Department.

Once contact is made, the following procedure operates: Prospective pupil and parents visit the school to meet staff and be shown around the school during its working day. When appropriate documentation is received from the Education Department, the Headteacher and senior staff meet to discuss the referral, in detail, and following this, a recommendation is then made to the Director of Children’s Services.

The school’s transition procedures are then implemented. These start with the Key Stage Leader contacting the parents to arrange a home visit. This is an opportunity to gather information about the pupil’s strengths, interests and needs.

The visit helps to foster strong relationships and to support transition. The visit will be attended by the Teacher, Key Stage Leader and where appropriate, a member of the Nursing Team.

Abbey Court encourages parents to work in partnership with the school, to make the pupil’s transition as smooth as possible.

Summary of Admissions Criteria 1. The primary presenting need of the pupil is severe or profound learning difficulty.

2. The pupil’s attainment falls within defined levels.

3. The school is confident that it can meet the pupil’s needs within existing resources, or that additional resources will be made available by Medway Council.

4. Admission would not significantly oversubscribe a class.

5. Priority is given to pupils within the Medway Local Authority.

6. Abbey Court is an inclusive school.

The Inclusion Policy is available on request.

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Entry Assessment Assessment and The entry assessment at Progress Abbey Court begins as soon as a place is agreed.

The information shared between parent and teacher will form the basis of the Entry Assessment, which will ascertain the self-help, cognitive, play and social skills of the pupil.

The information, together with the Educational Health Care Plan, and advice from outside agencies, is used to write the first Individual Education Plan (IEP) by the end of the first term in school.

Parents are encouraged to be fully involved in target setting for their child, and draft Individual Education Plans are sent home to parents for their comments before they are finalised.

We set challenging and motivating, but realistic targets for pupils at Abbey Court.

Teacher assessment of individual children’s needs is ongoing by the class team, through questioning; reviewing lessons and feedback from sessions, and formally, through target setting for IEPs and Annual Reviews. Progress toward targets is monitored each term through close analysis of the progress data and detailed discussions in pupil progress meetings.

Annual and end of key stage targets are set for every pupil and next steps for learning are agreed and shared with parents, enabling us to work together towards shared goals.

Annual Reviews All pupils have a formal review of their progress on an annual basis.

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Special visual annual reviews also take place for pupils at the end of each key stage, as they move through departments. The reviews are excellent opportunities to celebrate pupils’ achievements, and to set them challenging and exciting targets for the future.

Safeguarding The Governing Body takes seriously its responsibility under section 175 of the Education Act 2002 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

The Headteacher, Karen Joy, is the Designated Safeguarding Lead, but we recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, including temporary staff, volunteers and Governors, all of whom are trained and have a full and active part to play in protecting our pupils from harm, and child welfare is our paramount concern.

All staff and Governors are committed to working together with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements within our school to identify, assess, and support those children who are, or are at risk of, suffering harm.

Our school provides a caring, positive safe and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child.

(The Safeguarding Policy is available on the school website or from the school office.)

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School Aims The Governors and staff at Abbey Court have developed shared aims and values.

• To know each individual child/pupil as thoroughly as we can, including any circumstances which might affect their wellbeing, behaviour and performance at any moment in time. This includes taking a longterm view of each child, visualising the best possibilities for each, and knowing when they are ready to take the next (challenging) step.

• To have and realise a bespoke vision for each and every pupil and each and every member of staff.

• To maintain high but realistic expectations for each pupil, enabling the development of independence.

• To enable our pupils to develop into good citizens and to participate actively in their local communities, finding ways to encourage those in the wider community to notice what they have in common with the pupils as much as what makes them different.

• To ensure we always see, first and foremost, the child not the disability, and to ensure that education (and not care) remains paramount. This will include identifying what motivates each child, and use the knowledge to encourage them to “have a go”, “fail safely” and learn from their mistakes.

• To ensure that pupils feel safe, secure and comfortable to enable them to focus on learning, ensuring staff have clarity and act on policies and procedures.

• To give great emphasis to the celebration and communication of pupil achievements, thus enabling a positive impact on pupils, parents and the local community.

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• To do everything we can to ensure that people in the local community see our school and pupils in a positive and informed light in order to close the gap between the community’s perceptions of the school and its pupils and what they are really like.

• To offer opportunities and experiences for pupils to learn in a multitude of different ways and through a rich, varied and individualised curriculum.

• To give pupils an equal voice in and ownership of their education so that they are able to express opinions, choices and preferences, promoting their independence, confidence and self-efficacy.

• To use individuals’ interests, skills and experiences to enhance the education of pupils and staff.

• To ensure that leadership is in the hands of as many staff as possible; to have high expectations of all staff and enable career progression.

• To learn and share information, to the benefit of our pupils through mutually supportive relationships with parents, visiting specialists and outside agencies.

• Through self evaluation methodologies, and responding to external evaluations, seek to know our school better to inform focussed school improvement, and so that others can know us better.

• To function and be recognised as an authentically exemplary school in its field, sharing our practice with others to the benefit of pupils locally, nationally and internationally.

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General Information & Organisation

“ Classrooms are happy and lively places.”

Ofsted 2017

Pupils at the school are taught in classes grouped by age.

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The Nursery and Primary site (for pupils aged 3 to 11) is located in Cliffe Road, Strood. This is a purpose built facility which was opened in April 2017. The Secondary and Further Education Departments (for pupils aged 11 to 19) are currently located on a separate site just under a mile away in Rede Court Road, Strood but the Secondary Department is soon to move to a new purpose built provision also on the Cliffe Road site. Both school sites have disabled access throughout and are designed to meet the needs of pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties. The school is very well resourced.

Inspection The latest Ofsted Inspection at the school took place in September 2017, with the outcome that Abbey Court was judged “Outstanding” for the third successive time.

Equality and Diversity The Equality Act 2010 provides a single, consolidated source of discrimination law. This act replaces all other existing equality legislation such as the Race Relations Act and the Disability Act. As a school, we welcome our duties under the Equality Act 2010 and we are proud of our diverse and inclusive environment. Abbey Court School strongly opposes all forms of prejudice that could act as a barrier to achieving our legal duties and to being a cohesive, inclusive community.

The general duties are to: • Eliminate discrimination

• Advance equality of opportunity • Foster good relations.

We proactively extend our pupils’ awareness and knowledge of our diverse society by: • Celebration of cultural diversity through curriculum and resources.

• Providing a diverse learning environment.

• Anti-racist teaching.

• Participation in the celebration of multi-cultural events.

• Inviting people from different cultures into the school to extend pupils’ awareness about their traditions and beliefs.

• Staff sharing their cultural and linguistic diversity.

Our International Schools project work further reflects this, with opportunities for pupils to work on shared projects with other schools around the world.

In this way, multi-cultural education enables pupils to recognise and accept similarities and differences between cultures and religions.

Where appropriate, the individual needs of pupils are considered in light of their own cultural background and we employ two Teaching Assistants to work with children for whom English is an additional language.

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School Targets Pupil targets and additional school targets for the current academic year can be found in the Additional Information booklet.

School Development Plan A summarised and current copy of this can be found in the Additional Information booklet.

Times of the School Day Nursery (Cliffe Road)

9:00am – 12:00pm and 12.30pm – 3.30pm Primary Site (Cliffe Road) 9:00am – 3:10pm

Secondary and FE Site (Rede Court Road) 9:00am – 3:25pm

Organisation of Departments & Classes The school is divided into 4 departments.

• Nursery: 3 – 4 years, Early Years • Primary: 5 – 11 years, Foundation Stage and Key Stages 1 and 2 • Secondary: 11 – 16 years, Key Stages 3 and 4 • Further Education: 16 – 19 years, Key Stage 5

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Pupils are grouped by age into classes. There are approximately 8 pupils to each class. Each class has one Class Teacher and a minimum of 3 Teaching Assistants. (There will be more Teaching Assistants in classes where pupils have greater level of need.)

Headteacher Deputy Headteacher - Primary

Deputy Headteacher - Secondary

Assistant Headteacher

Assistant Headteacher

Nursery

Primary Department

Secondary Department

Further Education

N1/N2 - 1 Teacher - 3 TAs

R - 1 Teacher - 5 TAs

S1 - 1 Teacher - 3 TAs

FEI - 1 Teacher - 4 TAs

P1 - 1 Teacher - 4 TAs

S2 - 1 Teacher - 5 TAs

FE2 - 1 Teacher - 4 TAs

P2 - 1 Teacher - 3 TAs

S3 - 1 Teacher - 3 TAs

FE3 - 1 Teacher - 4 TAs

P3 - 1 Teacher - 3 TAs

S4 - 1 Teacher - 3 TAs

P4 - 1 Teacher - 4 TAs

S5 - 1 Teacher - 4 TAs

P5 - 1 Teacher - 3 TAs

S6 - 1 Teacher - 4 TAs

P6 - 1 Teacher - 5 TAs

S7 - 1 Teacher - 3 TAs

P7 - 1 Teacher - 3 TAs

S8 - 1 Teacher - 4 TAs

P8 - 1 Teacher - 4 TAs P9 - 1 Teacher - 3 TAs P10 - 1 Teacher - 4 TAs P11 - 1 Teacher - 3 TAs

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Facilities Abbey Court has specialist facilities for pupils with SLD/PMLD. These include:

Rede Court Road (Secondary department) • A hydrotherapy pool • A sensory room

• A sensory courtyard • A library area

• A sports field and sports court • A science room • An art room

• A school hall

• A music room • An ICT Suite

• An outdoor gym

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• Rebound Therapy equipment • A food technology room

Cliffe Road (Primary department) • A therapy suite with rooms for Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy • A sensory room

• A nursery sensory room • A library

• A soft play room • A school farm

• Playground(s) with adventure equipment • A food technology room • A school hall

• A farm courtyard and a drama courtyard • Rebound Therapy equipment

• Extensive environmental area(s) • A phonics/reading room • An art room

•A stable housing ‘Tonto’, our horse riding simulator • And Molly the cow...

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IT Resources At Abbey Court School, we believe computing technology gives our pupils opportunities for communication and access to equipment to enhance learning.

Computer, iPads and switch activated teaching aids are available and are adapted to suit individual pupils. Through the delivery of computing, our main aim is to provide all pupils with access to a variety of IT equipment and software so that opportunities for learning are enhanced through: • Ensuring pupils are given opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and an understanding of computing applications in all curriculum areas and in everyday life.

• Encouraging pupils to use technology as a tool.

• Providing pupils with skills to participate in and meet the demands of everyday life.

• Enabling pupils to gain access to the wider curriculum.

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• Providing the content of the National Curriculum.

• Accessing the internet.

Security At Abbey Court School, pupils are able to freely access the school site in order to develop their independence.

Bus escorts are an invaluable link between home and school, and are able to assist in the transfer of both messages and possessions (including pupil medication) between rightful owners.

The following information explains the security that we have in place to safeguard pupils. Both school sites are extensively covered by CCTV. For the safety of the pupils, all external doors to classrooms are alarmed to alert staff to any pupil who tries to exit without permission. The outdoor areas are secure. The entrances to both sites are controlled by a security system. All visitors to the school report to Reception and are provided with an identity badge. No visitor is allowed into the school without an appointment. The school has a comprehensive Health and Safety policy (available on request), which gives further detail about our extensive safety and security procedures.

Abbey Court School transport The school uses its own minibuses and people carriers during the day to take pupils on educational visits. These vehicles are fully maintained and serviced. All drivers have undertaken and passed accredited MiDAS training.

The vehicles are equipped with safety belts and wheelchair restraints and the school has a strict minibus policy to ensure safety at all times.

School Transport Medway home/school transport Home to school transport and bus escorts are the responsibility of the Local Authority. The school will advise the Local Authority about the suitability of practical arrangements for individual pupils; however, transport arrangements are made directly between parents and the Local Authority.

“ They always ask my feelings.”

Pupil Survey 2021

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School Uniform Abbey Court School has a school uniform which consists of: white t-shirt/polo shirt, green jumper sweatshirt and black shorts/skirt/ trousers or jogging bottoms.

The FE Department have their own identity and uniform, consisting of black trousers, skirt or shorts (in the summer), white polo shirts (FE logo) and navy blue sweatshirt/fleece with FE logo.

Nursery pupils may wear their own clothing.

All school uniform, with the exception of shorts/skirts/trousers, can be purchased via the school. Pupils of all ages require a PE kit (shorts, t-shirt, tracksuit, plimsolls), and a swimming kit, in order to take part in a full range of activities. We strongly encourage the wearing of named school uniform by pupils.

A change of clothing should be provided for pupils who may wet or soil themselves, along with pads for those pupils who are incontinent. Parents of pupils with disabilities can obtain free disposable nappies/pads through the Local Health Authority (please refer to the School Nursing Team).

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Absence

Complaints

All absences from school are required by law to be authorised by parents/guardians. It is important that parents report all absences promptly to the school.

The school tries to operate in an informal and friendly manner and there are many opportunities for discussion of any issue.

Written confirmation of the reason for absence must be sent to school. (School will investigate any unexplained non-attendance after 10am on the first morning of absence.) Any absence not authorised by school will be recorded as unauthorised. School staff hold regular meetings with the Local Authority Attendance Advisory Practitioner where absence is jointly monitored. In school clinics, chaired by the Attendance Advisory Practitioner, will be held to support families to raise levels of attendance where deemed appropriate.

Pupils may request up to 10 days authorised leave of absence in a school year for exceptional circumstances only. Requests may be made via a leave of absence form (available on request from the school office) and accompanied by written explanation of the relating exceptional circumstances. All requests will be treated on an individual basis.The current school absence record can be found in the Additional Information booklet at the back of this prospectus.

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We always endeavour to work with parents to sort out queries and difficulties before they become major issues or causes for complaint.

Our complaints procedure is available upon request or can be downloaded from our website.

“ Communication and teamwork are a great strength.”

Staff Survey 2021

Illness During the Day If a pupil becomes ill during the school day, they will be assessed by the School Nursing Team and Headteacher/Deputy Headteacher.

If they are not well enough to stay at school, then the parent/carer will be contacted so that the pupil may be collected.If a pupil sustains an injury at school, a qualified first aider will assess them.

If urgent medical treatment is necessary, then the Head or Deputy will instigate arrangements for the child to be taken to the Accident and Emergency Department with an escort. Parents/carers will be asked to meet them there.

If treatment is not urgent, parents/carers will be contacted to arrange to collect their child from school and to arrange a check up either with the GP or at the hospital. Pupils who are sick should not attend school and will only be fit enough to return when they are free of symptoms. Pupils with infectious illnesses (including vomiting and/or diarrhoea) must not come in to school until 48 hours (2 days) after symptoms have ceased. This is to allow pupils to recover and also to prevent the transmission of illnesses to other pupils, including those who may be very vulnerable.The school and nursing service work in partnership to meet pupils’ complex needs. This includes training staff, giving medical advice and the ongoing monitoring of pupils’ needs on a daily basis.

Medication in School Only prescribed medication will be given at school and parents/ carers are required to complete a “Medicine in School” form.

The medicine must always be in its original container with the child’s name, the name and dose of the drug and instructions on how it should be given. Wherever possible, GPs should be asked for medication to be prescribed in dose frequencies which enable it to be taken outside of school hours.

The School Nursing Team oversee the dministration of all medication given in the school.

Access to School Documentation We are keen to provide parents with documentation. Parents may be interested to read the wealth of information on our school website, which is free to download.

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School Meals These are cooked on site and pupils enjoy the varied and nutritious meals provided.

Special diets are catered for, or alternatively pupils may bring packed lunches from home. School meals are an integral part of the school day when valuable opportunities are provided to practise and learn social and self-help skills.

Freshly Baked Bread, Filled Jacket Potatoes, Salad, Fresh Fruit and Yogurts are available daily.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Beef Bolognaise with Wholemeal Pasta

Homemade Sausage Roll

Roast Gammon with Gravy

Chicken in BBQ Sauce

Breaded Salmon / Breaded Cod Fillet

Vegetarian Bolognaise with Wholemeal Pasta

Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Calzone

Crunch Vegetable Crumble

Lentil Vegetable Hot Pot

Vegetarian Bean Burger

Mashed Potatoes

Roast Potatoes

Rice

Chips

Peas

Baked Beans

Creamed Swede

Roasted Vegetables

Baked Fresh Tomatoes

Baton Carrots

Broccoli

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Sweetcorn

Strawberry & Vanilla Mousse

Toffee Apple Crumble with Custard

Chocolate Krispy

Fruit Jelly

Cup Cake Black Forest Gateau

Week 1

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British Values Schools must promote British values and are advised to do so through SMSC and the curriculum. British values are: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect for, and tolerance of, those with different faiths and beliefs. The Abbey Court ethos promotes British Values at every level through a rich and varied curriculum, with the RE curriculum exposing pupils to experiences of different faiths and cultures and supports skills to prepare them for the wider world.

Behaviour Policy “ Great school, has made a massive impact on my idea of inclusion and disability. It has opened my eyes to know how much people with disabilities are able to do.”

Student from Canterbury Christ Church University, 2019

Abbey Court has a positive approach to the behaviour of pupils with an emphasis on rewarding good behaviour and achievement. In this way, we assist the pupils in understanding and managing their own behaviour. The school recognises the association between high expectation, quality teaching and good behaviour and provides a defined structure that includes rewards, sanctions, behaviour management procedures and working with parents. The school adheres to Strategies for Crisis, Intervention and Prevention (PROACT – SCIPr – UK ®) which enables the use of physical intervention in the most extreme of circumstances (it is emphasised that this option is used as a last resort). For any pupil where it is envisaged that this may be a possibility, the parents will be informed beforehand and invited in for a discussion regarding the procedures. These pupils will have an Individual Behaviour Support Programme written for them in agreement with the parents and incorporating an assessment of risks.

(A copy of the Behaviour Policy is available on the school website.)

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Mental Health & Wellbeing

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Abbey Court School has a positive environment focused on achievement and celebration of pupils, staff and families.

Resources for pupils and families are available on the school’s website and regularly feature in the school’s newsletter and home supported learning, to ensure that Mental Health and Wellbeing is a continued focus for all.

Mental Health and Wellbeing is embedded in all areas of the curriculum and is designed to meet the needs of the pupils. Staff have an in-depth knowledge of the pupils which enables them to identify when there are changes or causes for concern and they are aware of the steps to request further support when required.

Mental Health and Wellbeing is featured in policies to support staff, as well as pupils and families, and regular training is offered, and relevant resources and support services are signposted.

“ The school’s curriculum is a great strength and meets the needs of pupils well. It is varied and exciting, encompassing appropriate areas of learning for pupils across the school.”

Ofsted 2017

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Teaching & Learning At Abbey Court the curriculum, school organisation and management and the physical environment all underpin the successes, achievements and progress of pupils.

Awards Abbey Court is proud to be recognised for its achievements.

We currently hold the following awards: • Ofsted Outstanding, 2009 – 2010 • Ofsted Outstanding, 2012 – 2013 • Ofsted Outstanding 2017 – 2018

• International Schools Award 2015 – 2021

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• UNICEF Rights Respecting School Award, 2014 (Level 2), 2017 and 2021 (Gold Award)

The curriculum design and delivery is flexible, differentiated and tailored to each learner, with an emphasis on personalised learning.

Abbey Court provides a challenging curriculum, ensuring that all pupils maximise their progress and personal achievement in relation to their abilities. There is an emphasis on developing the whole person, through a multi-agency approach, working in partnership with parents and carers and other stakeholders.

Teaching and learning at Abbey Court is designed to be relevant and personalised to each individual pupil. The basis of this is delivered through a topicbased creative Curriculum at the Primary site, where links are made between subjects, so that children develop a broad and coherent understanding of a topic and learn to use and apply their knowledge and skills in a range of contexts that are relevant to them. Topics change each term, and are on an

annual cycle. At the Secondary School, the curriculum is subject based and builds on the skills and knowledge already gained at Primary. The opportunity available within the National Curriculum to design and deliver a whole curriculum is welcomed at Abbey Court as it enables us to offer our pupils and students learning opportunities to realise their potential to become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.

Our curriculum also focuses on developing the key skills of communication, cognition, independence, physical development and self-care; all transferrable skills that equip children and young people for life beyond the school, to ensure the development of the whole child. Abbey Court’s Farm curriculum has been carefully designed to complement and build upon classroom learning, giving pupils the opportunity to develop meaningful and relevant skills for the future.

Teaching and learning at Abbey Court School is supported by a range of co-providers, all of whom support the teaching staff in meeting the needs of individual pupils. NHS specialists such as Speech and Language Therapists, work alongside the class team to assess and evaluate programs. Visiting Teachers for the visually and hearing impaired provide advice to staff and support for individual children with sensory needs.

Staff are trained in a variety of interventions which are used to support individual pupil development.

These include the MOVE (Mobility Opportunities via Education) approach, Sherborne Developmental Movement approach, Sensory massage and TAC PAC, which all support the development of physical skills

and body awareness through a range of learning activities. Many staff are also trained as Rebound Therapists and many pupils participate in regular sessions on the trampolines on both sites. The TEACCH approach, which uses visual supports such as personal timetables to support the pupil’s ability to attend and communicate, as well as and a range of AAC (Augmented and Alternative Communication) systems are in place to support communication, following recommendations from Speech and Language Therapists. These are constantly reviewed and built to meet individual need. Additionally, ongoing training updates the staff to work with Makaton sign language, PECs, Intensive Interaction, and the use of individual communication aids to provide a total communication environment for the pupils.

Further information about our curriculum can be found in the Additional Information booklet at the back of this prospectus, and within our Teaching and Learning Policy.

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Larkin Farm The school has its own farm which is located adjacent to the school on the Cliffe Road site. Purpose built with full disability access, the farm provides opportunities to enrich and extend the school curriculum.

The farm comprises of a farmyard, barns, stables, housing for chickens and rabbits, has four paddocks and a large outdoor classroom (with laundry, toilet and changing facilities, farm office and boot room). All children at the school have regular opportunities to access the farm to extend their learning.

The farm curriculum has been developed to teach children skills and provide the knowledge about animal husbandry, horticulture and land based studies. Learning about food production and “farm to fork” is also an important feature. Alongside the farm, we run a Young Farmers’ Club which meets regularly after school and is open to all children in Medway aged 10 plus years. A Senior Teacher is responsible for teaching on the farm supported by a Farm Manager and two Farm Assistants.

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“ We are learning what animals are on the farm and how to be gentle.”

Pupil Survey 2021

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Out of School Activities Out of school activities and educational visits form a valuable part of the Abbey Court Curriculum and support the pupils to embed their learning across a range of different contexts.

During pupils’ time at Abbey Court, their educational visit experiences will be vast, visiting places such as parks, supermarkets, cafes, sports centres, places of worships, work experience venues, supporting community projects, and college taster days.

When used alongside careful and well planned differentiation, it is both a powerful and positive teaching tool that can help enhance the social, personal and emotional development of the pupils.

As part of this, pupils will be given the opportunity to attend a range of residential opportunities throughout their time at school.

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This begins with the chance to stay for tea at school in Key Stage One, and progresses to night trips away and then to activity centres or participation in the Duke of Edinburgh award expeditions!

All off-site activities are arranged in accordance with the ‘Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits’ guidance (DfE 2018).

Parents are consulted beforehand for full day and residential visits. Written parental consent is required before a child may participate, and full measures are taken to provide for any individual or medical needs, wherever possible. Pupils are supported and supervised by Abbey Court staff at all times.

Some educational trips incur a cost, which we cannot meet out of our school budget. In these instances, we ask that the costs will be met as a result of a voluntary parental contribution.

However, no pupil will be excluded due to parental inability to contribute. Please contact the school as soon as possible if a proposed financial contribution presents you with difficulty.

“ I would like to thank the team at Abbey Court for the support and hard work during the pandemic. The school has been a safe and calm, reassuring presence for our children when there was uncertainty elsewhere.”

Parent Survey 2021

Community Links Abbey Court develops strong links with the community and we see this as an extension of our pupils’ learning.

We have on-going links with: • Local churches and voluntary groups.

• Local businesses.

• Local schools, colleges and universities.

Inclusion

• We also have links with schools around the world. The school has been accredited with the International Schools Award.

Abbey Court is an inclusive special school.

We believe equality of opportunity is central to good educational practice. Discrimination is not tolerated at the school. (The school’s Single Equality Scheme and Special Needs Policies are available on the website or on request from the school.) We are a Unicef accredited Gold Award Rights Respecting School.

Pupils’ needs are comprehensively assessed upon admission to the school and additional specialist equipment and advice is made available to meet the needs of every pupil as appropriate.

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Partnership with Parents

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At Abbey Court, we pride ourselves on building up strong and positive relationships with parents. We believe that working closely with parents benefits their child’s development in school.

Healthcare Plans We continually communicate with parents through: • Parents Evenings • Annual Reviews • Home school contact books • A comprehensive newsletter celebrating pupil achievements

We regularly consult parents through: • Questionnaires and surveys • Representation on working parties and the Governing Body • Termly newsletters • Multi-disciplinary meetings • School website

Pupils have healthcare plans. These plans are written to ensure all who work with the pupil are fully aware of their medical needs and the care and procedures required to keep them safe and well.

The MCH School Nursing Team write these plans with the support of parents and the School Medical Officer (a local Paediatrician).

The Nursing Team are supported by the school’s three full-time Healthcare Assistants.

We plan termly social and educational events which include: • Coffee mornings • Assemblies • Christmas productions • Discos • Quiz night and other fundraising events • Parent Workshops and Focus Groups • Parent and pupil contributions for Annual Reviews

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Pupil Voice Meetings At Abbey Court School, we seek ways to listen to the views of our pupils and involve them in decision-making so that they are engaged as partners in the life of the school.

Through supporting individual communication systems, we encourage pupils to become active participants in a democratic society, by holding a range of activities which develop skills that underpin their right to have an opinion and communicate these effectively and at a level appropriate to them.

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We believe that all pupils have the right to a voice and this directly correlates with the school’s Safeguarding Policy. We place a huge emphasis on teaching pupils to feel confident, and giving them the means to express their feelings and talk about themselves with regard to their own safety. This is a skill that is developed throughout the school so that pupils can have a greater autonomy.

The Pupil Voice ethos is embedded in our commitment to UNICEF’s Rights Respecting Schools Award.

Pupil Voice meetings are held on the primary and secondary sites and focus on a different subject each term. Where needed, amendments to school policies and processes are made in line with the pupils’ recommendations. At Abbey Court School, we believe that Pupil Voice directly contributes to achievement. Pupils benefit from increased confidence, communication skills, self-respect and respecting the views of others, an improved sense of responsibility and engagement with learning.

“ Our child thrives at Abbey Court. She is a well-loved pupil and I think that’s down to the amazing care she gets from Abbey Court.

Everyone at the school knows her and she loves to be sociable. Keep up the great work.”

Parent Survey 2021

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Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) The EYFS Department at Abbey Court can include up to two years in the Nursery and one in Reception class, with pupils able to begin school in the term of their third birthday.

Pupils in the Nursery attend up to five, three hour sessions a week, which are a mix of morning and afternoon sessions.

Throughout the key stage, the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and Development Matters in EYFS are used to inform the curriculum, which is divided into the seven areas of learning:

The learning environment is designed and planned to maximise learning opportunities and promote exploration. Children learn best from a base of trust and secure relationships; these are carefully built by all working within the EYFS.

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)

• Communication and Language (CL) • Physical Development (PD) • Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the World

• Expressive Arts and Design Pupils within the EYFS learn through play. Play allows them to develop their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength.

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Further Education Department The FE Department at Abbey Court is based at the Rede Court Road site and is for students aged 16 to 19.

An emphasis is placed on personal and social skills.

We aim to increase levels of confidence, to develop functional numeracy and literacy skills, and to enable students to make decisions and choices, and cope with change.

Students are encouraged to develop financial responsibilities and problem solving. They also focus on travel training, learning about road safety and how to use public transport. There are links with local colleges and students are given the opportunity to participate in a range of work experience within the school and local community. Home management and life skills are continually built upon through nationally accredited courses that are tailored to meet individual needs and interests.

Staff work closely with parents, external agencies and Post-19 providers to ensure the most suitable post school provision is secured for students prior to them leaving school.

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“ Staff were friendly, welcoming and treated the students and I with respect. They knew the students well and understood their individual needs.”

Kent Police Officer, work experience student, 2020

“ Abbey Court has helped me to be independent and to grow up so that I am ready to go to college and be an adult.

I like coming to school.”

Further Education Pupil

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Primary Department

Secondary Department

Abbey Court School Cliffe Road, Strood Kent ME2 3DL

Abbey Court School Rede Court Road, Strood Kent ME2 3SP

Email: office@abbeycourt.medway.sch.uk

Email: office@abbeycourt.medway.sch.uk

Tel: 01634 338220

Website: www.abbeycourt.medway.sch.uk

Tel: 01634 338220

Website: www.abbeycourt.medway.sch.uk