In 2014, the Government published the SEND Code of Practice. The Government’s aim is to provide better outcomes for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities and to improve the experience of parents/carers when securing support for their children.
As part of the proposed legislation, Local Authorities will be required to publish a Local Offer which will show the special educational provision and support available to pupils with special needs.
The follow is the response of The Westminster School to that Local Offer, a full copy of which can be accessed below:
The school provides for pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties plus additional needs (MLD+) including Autism and ADHD. In the academic year 2017-18, there were 189 pupils on roll at the school aged between 7-19 years old. Pupils are organised into year groups for 14-19 and by need in the Primary Department and KS3.
Through knowledge of our pupils, and in partnership with parents/carers and outside agencies, we offer an environment and curriculum which allows our pupils to thrive, gaining many success including GCSEs, BTEC, Vocational and Entry Level qualifications.
The vast majority of our pupils continue their studies in other mainstream and special colleges with the self-confidence to succeed in their chosen paths.
We work with local providers to enable our pupils to take part in Work Experience and move on to supported internships, supported apprenticeships or employment where appropriate.
The Westminster School is the only MLD+ school in Sandwell and is located in Rowley Regis. Our pupils come from other Black Country areas and Birmingham.
The Westminster School provides for pupils with a range of educational difficulties, from age 7-19 years of age, access to a personalized curriculum with a special needs setting. An innovate approach is taken to learning in small class groups with the integrated support of information technology and therapies. Our aim is to provide each student with the opportunity to enjoy pushing the boundaries of their knowledge and experience, so gaining the skills and confidence they need in their future life. We develop individualized programmes; taking account of skills, interests and pupils own Special Educational Needs with a planned pathway for the future.
The Westminster School provides three Curriculum Pathways, enabling our students to study a wide range of subjects, up to and including GCSE.
Our Curriculum Pathways are enriched by a variety of activities including; West Bromwich Albion Foundation, extra-curricular clubs (including an assortment of lunchtime clubs), swimming, sporting events, Open Theatre, Music Therapy, and Forest School.
All pupils must have an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) and are referred to us by the Local Authority. Parents and their child are then invited to come and view the school and will have the opportunity to meet staff and pupils.
The school assess pupils and will make the offer a place via the Local Authority.
Communication between school and parents of the daily life of the school. Families are actively involved in the school and have the opportunity to attend a variety of events including coffee mornings and clinic drop ins.
Families are actively encouraged to engage in supporting the pupils within the curriculum, after-school activities and on school trips. This helps promote a close relationship between home and school as well as bringing a range of experience into the learning environment of the students.
We facilitate a range of Parent’s workshops and discussion groups. We work closely with Autism West Midlands, Inclusion Support, Changing Young Lives, and Making Learning Work.
In addition, we have a Family Support Worker who works closely with Parents and Carers to offer support and advice in order to ensure that their child makes outstanding progress in their personal development.
The school has a formal reporting process based largely on the timetable of annual reporting required by the EHCP. In addition to which, both education and therapy staff input reports as required by students for assessments and interventions.
The Westminster School is a purpose built special school. There are lifts to take wheelchair users, or others with impaired mobility, between the two floors. There is a wheelchair accessible bathroom on the both floors and the ground floor and outdoor area is fully accessible. In addition, the school always ensures that there is a wheelchair accessible bus for outings.
We have a high pupil/staff ratio. Students are taught in small class groups with experienced teachers and Learning Support Assistants able to give one-to-one help where it is needed. The teaching staff tailor the pupils curriculum to their individual needs.
Where appropriate, The Westminster School is able to provide Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy, support for HI and VI pupils. Specialist staff work closely together and as part off a wider team with the teaching and support staff taking advice and support from Specialists within the Health Service and Local Authority.
In addition, the school has links with a number of other professionals whom we regularly call upon for advice and to provide input in areas such as educational psychology, counselling, and mentoring.
Teachers
All teachers have regular Professional Development. In recent staff training days, we have focused on Quality of Teaching and Learning, Active Learning, and aspects of SEN including COSST, Makaton, Social Skills, Talkabout, Autism Education Levels 1-3, MAPA and TEACHH. We have considerable expertise and continually update our knowledge ensuring pupils have access to both established and emerging strategies.
Support Assistants
All our Learning Support Staff attend the same training as the teaching staff. We employ assistants with relevant experience who hold NVQ qualifications from Level 2 to 4.
We have recently gained Platinum Standard for Investors in People.
Contact The Westminster Admin Team.
Telephone: 0121 561 6884