Abbey Court School Prospectus

Abbey Court School | Page 1

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 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 very dedicated and strive to provide the pupils with the best possible education. Pupils at Abbey Court achieve well and make very good progress. We have some excellent facilities 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 happy and successful.

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 Karen Joy – Headteacher

We never lose sight of the fact that each child has great potential. We work hard to live up to our school motto: “We Grow People” We value working closely with parents and carers to make sure that the young people we have in our care get the very best opportunities throughout their school career. If you have any contributions or suggestions about the prospectus, or any other aspect of school life, please let us know.

We wish you and your child a very happy time at Abbey Court.

Eileen James Eileen James – Chair of Governors

Abbey Court School | Pages 2/3

Abbey Court is a special school for pupils aged 4 – 19 with severe and profound learning difficulties. Abbey Court is maintained by Medway Local Authority.

All pupils at Abbey Court have severe learning difficulties, or profound and multiple learning difficulties as their main presenting need. Some pupils have additional educational needs, such as; visual impairment, hearing or sensory impairment, autism and/or physical disability. All pupils at the school have statements of special educational need.

Inspection The latest Ofsted Inspection at the school took place in June 2007. The inspection recognised the many strengths of the school. The report can be found on: www.ofsted.gov.uk, or a copy requested from the school.

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

At Abbey Court we have an agreed collective responsibility to: • Provide fair and equal learning opportunities for all.

• Foster a warm, friendly positive and supportive atmosphere where pupils, their families and staff feel valued and happy. We support and encourage the active involvement of pupils’ families.

• Deliver a broad, balanced, relevant curriculum which includes the National Curriculum.

• Provide a stimulating and challenging and safe learning environment where pupils effort, work and achievement are celebrated.

• Ensure continuous improvement and life long learning for all.

• Work together as a team and with other agencies in a spirit of mutual trust and respect, committed to and striving for excellence (and shared goals).

• Provide staff with development opportunities and recognise this as an integral part of continuous school improvement.

• Encourage pupils’ individuality and ensure learning needs are met by careful planning, recording and assessment.

• Prepare pupils for the future, encouraging confidence, independence and developing life skills.

• Promote and support the health and well being of all.

• Work with and within the local community thus providing a community based education and promoting the inclusion of pupils into the “mainstream” educational community.

Abbey Court School | Pages 4/5

“ A great school, with the expertise to encourage our special children to obtain their full potential.”

Abbey Court Parent

Abbey Court School | Pages 6/7

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Admissions The school admission policy (available on request) 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 Education Department through the Decision Making Group Or Direct contact from a parent which must later be confirmed by a referral from the Education Department Once contact is made the following procedure operates: Prospective pupil and parents visit the school to meet staff on an informal basis and to 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. Recommendation is then made to the Director of Children’s Services as a result of the discussion.

The school transition procedures are then implemented.

These start with the Department Co-ordinator contacting the parents to invite them for a morning or afternoon visit together with their child to plan a series of transition sessions to the class they will be joining.

Abbey Court encourages parents to work in partnership with the school, to make the pupil’s introduction to our school as smooth and exciting as possible. Staff will sometimes arrange home visits in order to learn as much about the child as possible.

Summary of Admissions Criteria 1. The primary presenting need of the pupils 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.

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.

Entry Assessment

Annual Reviews

The entry assessment at our school begins when a place has been agreed.

All pupils have a review of their progress on an annual basis. Visual Annual Reviews take place for pupils at the end of each Key Stage. These involve the pupils themselves, who attend the review and share their achievements by means of a power point presentation.

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 Statement of Educational Needs (if available), and advice from outside agencies, is used to write the first Individual Education Plan by the end of the first half term in school.

Parents are encouraged to be fully involved, especially in the target setting for their child’s first year in school. Any pupil entering school at a later stage will have a full entry assessment carried out by the appropriate class teacher.

Inclusion Abbey Court is an inclusive special school. We believe equality of opportunity is central to good educational practice. Discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, faith, culture, gender or ability is not tolerated at the school.

Abbey Court School | Pages 8/9

“ Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding.”

Ofsted Report 2007

(The school Equal Opportunities, Race Equality and Special Needs policies are available on request from the school.)

Pupil’s needs are comprehensively assessed upon admission to the school and additional specialist equipment and advice is available to meet the additional needs of every pupil.

Out of School Activities We are pleased to provide a wide range of activities and experiences related to curriculum activities in the classroom. First hand practical experiences are provided to help pupils to learn. We offer day trips and residential journeys for pupils at all Key Stages. All off-site activities are arranged in accordance with the health and safety

of pupils on educational visits (DfES 2002). Parents are consulted beforehand for full day visits, written parental consent is required before a child may participate, and full measures are taken to provide for any special care or medical needs. In accordance with the 1988 Education Reform Act, we may only request a voluntary contribution towards the cost of such visits. Parental inability to make a contribution will not result in a pupil being excluded from an activity. In the event of a parental contribution not being available, funds may come from other sources.

Some educational visits may incur additional costs that are beyond the school’s usual cash resources. If failure to obtain such funds threatens the viability of the activity, then the activity may have to be cancelled.

Abbey Court School | Pages 10/11

“ My daughter loves school.

We know this because she always smiles when we enter the grounds.”

Abbey Court Parent

General Information and Organisation Pupils at the school are taught in classes grouped by age.

The Primary Department (for pupils aged 4 to 11) is located in Rainham (Long Catlis Road). This site is on a single storey and was extensively refurbished in 2000. The Secondary Department (for pupils aged 11 to 19) is located in Strood.

The building was extensively refurbished between 2000 and 2002. 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 well accommodated and resourced.

Security Both school sites are extensively covered by CCTV. All external doors to classrooms are alarmed to alert staff to any pupil who tries to exit without permission. The playgrounds and fields are securely fenced. 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.

School Targets Individual pupil targets and additional school targets for the current year can be found in the additional information booklet at the back of this prospectus.

School Development Plan A summarised copy of this can be found in the additional information booklet located at the back of this prospectus.

Times of the School Day 9:00am – 3:10pm: Primary Site (Rainham) 9:00am – 3:30pm: Secondary and FE Site (Strood)

School Organisation The School is divided into 3 Departments • Primary 5–11 years: Foundation stage and Key Stages 1 and 2 • Secondary 11–16 years: Key Stages 3 and 4 • Further Education: Key Stage 5 Pupils are grouped by age into classes.

There are approximately 8/9 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 levels of need.)

Governing Body

Headteacher

Deputy Headteacher

Deputy Headteacher

Primary Department Rainham

Secondary Department Strood

Further Education Strood

Reception Teacher and 4 TAs

Class 8 Teacher and 3 TAs

FE Unit 3 Teacher and 9 TAs

Class 1 Teacher and 4 TAs

Class 9 Teacher and 4 TAs

Class 2 Teacher and 4 TAs

Class 10 Teacher and 4 TAs

Class 3 Teacher and 3 TAs

Class 11 Teacher and 4 TAs

Class 4 Teacher and 3 TAs

Class 12 Teacher and 4 TAs

Class 5 Teacher and 3 TAs Class 6 Teacher and 4 TAs Class 7 Teacher and 4 TAs

Abbey Court School | Pages 12/13

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Abbey Court School | Pages 14/15

Primary Department Floor Plan – Rainham

Secondary Department Floor Plan – Strood

Hydrotherapy Pool Plan

Facilities Abbey Court has excellent specialist facilities for pupils with SLD/PMLD. These include: Strood • A hydrotherapy pool • A sensory room • A sensory courtyard • A library • A sports field and playground • A technology/science room • An art room • A school hall • A music therapy room • An ICT Suite • A playground assault course • Rebound Therapy equipment Rainham • A sensory room • A library • A soft play room • A sports field • Playground with adventure equipment • A food technology room • A maths resource room • Two multi-sensory courtyards • A school hall with canteen area • A music therapy room • Rebound Therapy equipment

Community Links Abbey Court has a long tradition of developing 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 and colleges • Representatives on Medway Youth Parliament

Awards

Teaching and Learning

Abbey Court is proud to be a Specialist Special School.

In addition to this, the school currently holds the following awards, which recognise its’ good practice:

The quality of the teaching and learning that takes place at Abbey Court equates to the success of the school. At Abbey Court the curriculum; the school organisation and management; and the physical environment are designed to assist the class teacher. A wide variety of teaching strategies are used in lessons so that every pupil has a variety of stimulating, motivating and attention grabbing experiences on a daily basis. All teaching staff are trained in TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children) and PECS (Picture Exchange Communications) to meet the needs of pupils on the autistic spectrum.

• Gold Artsmark award • Basic Skills Quality Mark awards at Primary and Secondary • Healthy Schools award • Activemark / Sportsmark • Primary Geography Quality Mark • ICT Mark • Investor in Careers

Abbey Court School | Pages 16/17

“ Abbey Court is more than a school. It is a community which cares for all its members and their families.”

Ofsted Report 2007

In addition visiting professionals including Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Visiting Teachers for the Visually and Hearing Impaired assess individuals and advise staff in catering for the specific needs of individuals with sensory impairments and medical needs. The MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education) approach is used throughout the school. Teaching Staff are trained to use the Halliwick approach to teaching children with physical disabilities to swim and also the Sherborne Developmental approach to physical education.

Additionally ongoing training updates the staff to work with Makaton 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.

Abbey Court School | Pages 18/19

“ Excellent staff, excellent school!”

Abbey Court Parent

Medication in School The school nursing team administer essential medication at 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 please ask your GP for medication to be prescribed in dose frequencies which enable it to be taken outside of school hours.

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 then 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 then 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 should not come in to school until 48 hours AFTER SYMPTOMS HAVE CEASED. It is important that parents report absences to the school. 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 pupil’s needs.

Healthcare Plans Pupils with complex medical needs 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 School Nursing Team write these plans with the support of Parents and the School Medical Officer (a local Paediatrician).

Partnership with Parents 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.

We continually communicate with parents through: • Termly parents evenings • Annual Reviews • Home school contact books • A comprehensive newsletter celebrating pupil achievements We regularly consult parents through: • Questionnaires + surveys • Representation on working parties and the Governing Body We plan termly social and educational events which include: • Coffee mornings • Assemblies • Christmas productions • Discos • Quiz night and other fundraising events

Abbey Court School | Pages 20/21

“I am consulted effectively over school policies and practices via the schools newsletters and I’m given the freedom and opportunity to express my views.”

Abbey Court Parent

Abbey Court School | Pages 22/23

“ Senior Leaders have developed a climate in which pupils care, welfare and support are at the forefront of everything the school does.”

Ofsted Report 2007

School Transport Home to school transport and bus escorts are the responsibility of the Local Authority.

The School Transport Department makes all transport arrangements. The school will advise the Authority about the suitability of practical arrangements for individual pupils, although this is arranged directly between parents and the Transport Department.

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

The school uses its own four minibuses during the day to take pupils on educational visits. These vehicles are fully maintained and serviced. All drivers have undertaken Medway Council training and have passed their minibus test. The vehicles are equipped with safety belts and wheelchair restraints and the school has a strict minibus policy to ensure safety at all times.

Absence All absences from school are required by law to be authorised by parents/guardians. Written confirmation of the reason for absence must be sent to school.

(School will investigate any unexplained absence after 10am on the first morning of absence.) Any absence not authorised by school has to be recorded as unauthorised.

School hold regular meetings with the Education Welfare Office where absence is jointly monitored.

Pupils may request up to 10 days authorised leave of absence in a school year for a family holiday, which must be approved by the Governing Body. Forms to request leave can be obtained from the school office. Parents are asked to consider carefully the advantages/disadvantages of taking their child on holiday during school term time.

The current school absence record can be found in the Additional Information booklet at the back of this prospectus.

Complaints The school tries to operate in an informal and friendly manner and there are many opportunities for discussion of any issue. We always endeavour to work with parents to sort out queries and difficulties before they become major issues or causes for complaint. This is summarised in the additional information booklet in the back of this prospectus.

Our complaints procedure is available upon request or on our website.

Visits to Abbey Court We encourage visitors to the school, however it is important that prior notice is given to enable specific personnel to be available for meetings. Those wishing to make visits should contact the school office in the first instance.

Access to School Documentation We are keen to provide parents with documentation.

Parents may be keen to read the information relating to: • OFSTED Inspection Report/School Profile • School curriculum documentation • School prospectus • Child protection policy • Health & Safety policy • Class timetable and individual education programmes for their child • Complaints policy • Charging policy • S.A.T.’s results • Record of Achievement documentation • Sex Education policy • R.E. policy • Disability Equality scheme All of these documents are available to parents and can be obtained from the school office. The school also has a ‘Freedom of Information’ policy available on request.

Abbey Court School | Pages 24/25

“ Abbey Court is a good school.

Some features of its work are outstanding and it has an excellent capacity for further development.”

Ofsted Report 2007

Abbey Court School | Pages 26/27

“ The pupils’ behaviour is exemplary and they show extremely positive attitudes to their learning.”

Ofsted Report 2007

Behaviour Policy Abbey Court has a positive approach to the behaviour of pupils with an emphasis on rewarding good behaviour and achievement rather than punishing bad or inappropriate behaviour. In this way we assist the pupils in understanding and controlling 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, procedures, behaviour management 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.

Multicultural Policy Abbey Court School’s Multi-cultural Policy aims to reaffirm the principles of our Equal Opportunities Policy and extend our pupils’ awareness and knowledge of our diverse society. It includes the celebration of cultural diversity, anti-racist teaching and a concern about ensuring equal opportunities for pupils of all groups in a multi-cultural society. Opportunities are taken for pupils to participate in the celebration of multi-cultural events and to invite people from different cultures into the school to extend pupils’ awareness about their traditions and beliefs.

Where appropriate, the individual needs of pupils are considered in light of their own cultural background.

ICT Resources Our ICT resources are excellent. A range of computers, interactive whiteboards, plasma screens and computerised teaching aids are available and can be adapted to suit individual pupils. Each class has two multimedia computers, with CD-ROM, each with a touch monitor and there is a library of 50 or so pieces of software to choose from in addition to that on the computer. Digital cameras are available in every classroom, as well as an interactive plasma screen. An ICT suite is available on the secondary site.

School Council Abbey Court School has School Councils in the Primary and Secondary departments and Further Education pupils are given the opportunity to contribute to school development. We are keen to give pupils a ‘voice’, and air their views on school matters.

School Councils meet regularly and discuss a range of topics including Healthy Eating, Eco Schools, and pupil views of teaching and learning.

The F.E. students have their own F.E. Forum which meets regularly to discuss issues relating to post 16 students and life after school.

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.

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. Governors strongly encourage the wearing of named school uniform by pupils.

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

Abbey Court School | Pages 28/29

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Abbey Court School | Pages 30/31

“ Teamwork and communication is a real strength at Abbey Court.

There is a real shared vision of wanting the best for the pupils.”

Abbey Court Staff Member

School Meals These are cooked by staff on site and it is hoped that pupils will partake of 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.

Sample Week 2

Sample Week 1

Sample weekly menu Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Minced Beef Cobbler, Cheese/pot Pie, Minted Potatoes, Broccoli, Mixed vegetables, Salad/Bread, Ice cream/Wafers, Milk/Biscuits

Chicken Curry, 100% Fish Fingers, Creamed Potatoes, Steamed Rice, Carrots, Cauliflower, Salad, Jam Sponge & Custard, Fruit Salad

Roast Lamb, Low Salt Bean Hotpot, Roast Potatoes or Mashed Potatoes/Brussels, Swede/Salad, Iced Bun/Milk, Fruit Jelly

Sweet + Sour Pork, Cauliflower Cheese, Mashed Potatoes or Rice, Carrots, Green Beans, Salad, Fruit Crumble & Custard

Wholemeal Breaded Cod, 100% Beef Burger, Chipped Potatoes or New Potatoes, Low salt Baked Beans, Spaghetti Rings, Salad, Lemon Meringue or Yoghurt

Steak/Onion Pudding, Vegetable/Pineapple curry, Mashed Potatoes, Rice, Green Beans, Mixed Vegetables, Salad, Fruit Sponge & Custard

Pork/Bean Casserole, Home-made Pizza, Boiled Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Carrots, Tuna Salad, Jam Roly Poly & Custard, Milk/Biscuits

Roast Gammon, Broccoli + Roast, Veg Tart, Roast Potatoes or Jacket Potatoes, Cabbage, Swede, Salad, Apple Dorset Cake & Custard

Cornish Pie, Tuna Pasta Bake, Boiled Potatoes, French Stick, Diced Carrots, Sweet corn, Salad, Coconut Sponge & Custard

Fish Fingers, Home-made Meatballs, Chipped Potatoes or Boiled Potatoes, Garden Peas, Tomatoes, Salad, Ice Cream Mousse, Fruit Jelly/Milk

Further Education Department The FE Department at Abbey Court is based on the Strood site and is for students aged 16–19.

An emphasis is placed on personal and social skills associated with developing independence and promoting self-awareness. We aim to increase levels of self confidence, to develop numeracy and literacy skills, and to enable students to make decisions and choices and cope with change.

Students cook their own lunch or snacks on a regular basis and are encouraged to bring a small amount of money to school so they learn financial responsibility.

There are links with local colleges and students are also given the opportunity to participate in a range of work experience opportunities within the school and local community.

Curriculum coverage at Key Stage 5 includes: • PSHCE (including sports and leisure) which prepares the students for when they leave school and move on.

• Basic skills delivering numeracy, literacy and communication programmes including ICT. • Vocational programmes which encompass creative art, Design & Technology, Food Technology, work experience and work related learning.

• Timetables are written focusing on the individual needs of the students and ensure all students access the community fully.

• The students have the opportunity for accreditation with the following organisations: • ASDAN (Towards Independence, Bronze, Silver Challenge) • EQUALS Moving On – life skills and Work Related learning • Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award (including a one night residential) • Staff work closely with the Connexions service to ensure the most suitable post school provision is secured for students.

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.

Secondary Department

Abbey Court School (Rainham Site)

Abbey Court School (Strood Site)

Long Catlis Road, Rainham Kent ME8 9TX

Rede Court Road, Strood Kent ME2 3SP

Tel: 01634 338220 Fax: 01634 338221 Email: office@abbeycourt.medway.sch.uk

Tel: 01634 338220 Fax: 01634 338221 Email: office@abbeycourt.medway.sch.uk

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Primary Department