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Introduction
St Piers School is a non-maintained residential special school which provides both day and residential education places for children and young people aged 5 to 19. It is a member of the National Association of non-maintained and Independent Special Schools (NASS); Entitlement and Quality Education for Pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties (EQUALS); Nasen and the British Institute of Learning Difficulties (BILD).
Together with the NCYPE’s Further Education College, the School provides education places for around 200 children and young people.
Receiving a majority of grade 1's for exceptional and consistently high standards in its 2007 Ofsted report, St Piers School prides itself on ensuring that each and every student is equipped with the tools necessary to access learning.
The school is led by inspirational headteacher1 Nick Byford and his management team, who are supported by an extensive school staff.
1Ofsted Inspection 2007
Specialism
Whilst the School's specialism has traditionally been epilepsy, it now uses its expertise and multidisplinary approach to cater for a wider range of complex neurological conditions including autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as complex epilepsy. Support is also provided for some aspects of challenging behaviour, profound and multiple learning difficulties as well as moderate or severe learning difficulties.
The majority of students are funded by their Local Education Authority supported by Health and Social Services.
With this dedicated specialism, students have the opportunities to achieve at their highest possible level.
Curriculum
The School delivers a comprehensive programme based on the National Curriculum, modified as necessary, to ensure the needs of every student are met.
The curriculum promotes the cognitive, spiritual, moral, emotional and physical developments of students, helping to prepare them for adult life. Learning takes place throughout the waking day, both within the School and the residential or home environment, offering opportunities for students to achieve and be challenged.
The Core Curriculum comprises English (Communication, Language and Literature); Mathematics; Information and Communication Technology (ICT); Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship.
Art; Design Technology; Humanities; Music; Modern Foreign Language; Science; Creative Arts and Religious Education are included within the Foundation Curriculum which is taught through a thematic approach using rolling programmes. Creative Arts and Physical Education (PE) are taught to all students.
Key Stage 4 students follow accredited courses across their curriculum (EQUALS/Unit Awards AQA and National Skills Profile)
Sixth Form Curriculum
Our Sixth Form students access a curriculum built around their individual needs as young adults. This is based around Key Skills, such as Communication, Application of Number, ICT and Working with Others.
Life Skills (working towards independence), Vocational Studies and World Studies also form essential elements of the students' programmes.
Students undertake a programme of Work Related Learning throughout their time in the Sixth Form. Their achievements are recognised through nationally accredited courses such as EQUALS, 'Moving On', National Skills Profile, AQA Unit Awards and the Open College Network.
Values
The School learning environment ensures:
- Students and staff are respected as individuals
- Students are involved in their own learning
- There is equal and inclusive access to the curriculum
- Students' educational, emotional, cultural, physical and health needs are met through a multidisciplinary approach involving Specialist Teams of Teachers, Residential Staff, Doctors, Nurses, Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Play Specialists, and Support Staff
- Access to a continuous and progressive curriculum
- Progress is regularly assessed and reviewed
- The outcomes of the Government's Every Child Matters framework are addressed
Residential Provision
Places are available for students to live in one of the NCYPE's onsite residential houses during term time. For those whose complex needs require specialist support beyond term time an all year round residential children's home service has been developed.