Welcome to Brantwood Specialist School

Transcription

1 Ruskin Mill Trust

2 02 / 03 Welcome 03 Our curriculum 04 David s story 06 Culture & community 08 Ian s story 10 Living away from home 12 Rebecca s story 14 Being healthy 16 Preparing to leave 18 Admissions 19 Vision and values 20 Quotes 22 Ruskin Mill Trust provision 23

3 Welcome to Brantwood Specialist School Brantwood Specialist School in Nether Edge, Sheffield Brantwood Specialist School in Sheffield is part of the Ruskin Mill Trust and provides daytime only or residential school placements to boys and girls aged We have expertise in working with children with complex emotional and learning difficulties whose needs cannot be met elsewhere for example: The school s alternative approach to education has led to improved attendance, better behaviour and more positive attitudes to learning than in students recent past. Since 1986, hundreds of students have benefited from the Ruskin Mill Trust s innovative Practical Skills Therapeutic Education programme that draws its inspiration from the insights of Rudolf Steiner, John Ruskin and William Morris. Brantwood Specialist School offers the opportunity to learn and grow within a holistic, inclusive educational framework. The practical, handson activities are underpinned by the content and assessment criteria of We believe that education is about developing the whole person, by meeting the physical, emotional, spiritual and social, as well as their academic needs. Education can and should be enjoyable, even if pupils have not experienced this in the past. We are committed to making a positive impact on young people s lives and helping them to become the person they want to be.

4 04 / 05 Our The curriculum at Brantwood has four distinct strands: Steiner Waldorf Education emphasising the importance of the distinct ways in which humans relate to the world through; thinking, emotions and physical activity. Practical Skills Therapeutic Education Young people can gain skills and build confidence in purposeful real life activities both in school and within the community leading to a wide range of qualifications according to their interests and skills. The National Curriculum Brantwood delivers the national curriculum using a variety of hands on practical activities. Embedded academic subjects such identify a vocational route and achieve appropriate, nationally Small class groups Brantwood offer small class sizes with a maximum pupil to staff ratio of 5:2 with appropriate levels of support according to each support to help them achieve their potential. The use of colour, light and sensory experiences within lessons add to this relaxed and highly positive environment for learning. Ofsted 2012

5 Complimentary Therapies Individual Therapies Therapies are delivered as an integral part of the curriculum and may also include specific therapy on a one to one basis and are available to all pupils based on their individual needs. The range of therapies available includes Speech and Language, Team work closely with staff and parents at all times to provide holistic therapy and homeopathic complimentary treatments according to each students needs. A sensory aware environment We engage with students at their individual developmental and social level, taking account of their sensory needs and making environmental changes as appropriate to each pupil. The hands on tasks mean that pupils are engaged and benefit from the therapeutic approach to learning. Complementary therapies are part of the school s curriculum for each student and are helping to break down emotional barriers to school and learning. Ofsted 2012 Right: Student interpretation of the Green Man studied as part of Myths and Legends

6 06 / 07 David s Story bullying in his previous school placement and found it impossible to make friends. This rejection by his peers manifested into feelings of depression, self-hate anger and low self-esteem and meant that he had complex attachment type difficulties and could on occasions be verbally and physically aggressive. attend a boarding school on a thirty eight week placement so that step by step, he would gain some time, he would retain the close family bond he shares with his mum by spending time with her during the weekends and holidays. which he picked out his room and started to personalise it, he began increasing his overnight stays very quickly. The progress he has made within the school and at the house is remarkable and has exceeded dinner and has just signed up for saxophone lessons, something he has always wanted to do. amongst the other pupils at Brantwood.

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8 08 / 09 Celebrating culture and community Pictured below, stall at local farmers market run by students, weekly celebration and pictured bottom, Brantwood pupil with Lord Mayor of Throughout the year, there are many celebrations, festivals and activities that make up the cultural and community life at Brantwood Specialist School. Music, drama, catering and fundraising are some of the ways that pupils can become involved. Key events include: Weekly celebrations The end of year celebrations School plays Social Skills We understand that social skills are vital for communicating and interacting with others effectively and so we give all our pupils the opportunity to do just this. Every week our students take part in ice-skating, horse-riding, trampolining, bowling, climbing and a variety of others. Being part of the school means you can newsletters Gain work experience in the school and community Make suggestions about how to improve the school Join in fundraising activities Tree of Life, right, this collage was a joint project between staff, students, and visitors.

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10 10 / 11 Ian s Story Ian s parents wanted Ian to attend a mainstream school just like his brother and he was placed in a Ian tried hard to make friends at school but he could become obsessive with friendships which led to them breaking down. Sometimes his behaviour towards peers and school staff was aggressive and considered several schools before Ian came to Brantwood for a successful two day assessment after wanted to attend school on a full time basis so this was accommodated. Eight months later on, Ian talks about his time at Brantwood with enthusiasm; skills which could be useful for a job possibly in the construction industry. Ian also talks about the improved by engaging in a variety of operations and tasks. Ian is still learning about how to make and maintain friendships and working on his literacy and valued member of the school community.

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12 12 / 13 Living away from home Living away from home Brantwood provides residential placements on a 38 or 52 week basis as well as day placements. Key features include a wide range of leisure time and outdoor activities, with structured access to events and facilities within the local community and independent recreational activities. Pupils are encouraged to continue with any interests they have and also to develop new ones. Working with staff and other pupils they are also encouraged to help plan and celebrate cultural events and festivals, creating further opportunities for social interaction, mutual appreciation, tolerance and understanding. We offer Accommodation in small house groups of either three or five students with continuous opportunities to develop and improve living skills through menu planning, shopping, budgeting, cooking, cleaning, independent travel, social relationships and living and learning with others. Support to enable the students to join in with activities within the local community and for students to plan their leisure time and outdoor activities. A diet rich in organic and locally produced home cooked food and raising awareness of the importance of diet for general health. Our Promise We will support our students to: Learn how to look after their clothes and belongings Plan, shop for and cook healthy meals Keep the house clean and tidy Develop friendships within the house, and school Live with and alongside others with respect Be a valued and valuable member of the community Maximize their potential and opportunities as they move towards adulthood

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14 14 / 15 Rebecca s Story difficulties meant that she could be tearful quite often and especially when her anxiety levels were anxiety related behaviours increased. Rebecca was becoming a school refuser and at this point her parents brought her to Brantwood for an assessment. became the bubbly, chatty lively young lady she had been eighteen months previously, talking happily about her school friends and writing once more in her diary which she had stopped doing. Brantwood staff describe Rebecca as a very positive, friendly and enthusiastic young person who is keen to try new activities within a predictable environment and daily routine. She benefits from the continuous availability of a supportive and nurturing environment that Brantwood provides so that she feels emotionally safe and happy to attend school. She fits in well with other students, is highly motivated, engaged and focussed and has an excellent sense of humour. and increasing unhappiness in her previous placement had huge implications for her parents and their family. Rebecca s parents have an older son who has complex needs and also care for an elderly aunt. Rebecca s dad has some health difficulties too, so having Rebecca at home for much of the time put additional pressure on them all. Rebecca s mum wanted to return to work when Rebecca moved into secondary phase education - a plan she had to put on hold. The family can now see a clear way forward and have their lives back as well as their daughter.

15 The school s philosophy of useful, practical work and a range of sensory experiences, such as through art and working with wood, encourage students to re-engage with learning as barriers to engagement get broken down. Ofsted 2012

16 16 / 17 Being We encourage all students to maintain a healthy lifestyle and care for their physical and emotional wellbeing. Every student is allocated a Keyworker so that there is always someone they can go to and discuss any worries they may have. We cater for all dietary needs of individual students and provide a wide range of healthy mealtime food and snacks. We also facilitate students access to activities that focus on physical exercise including indoor and outdoor games, horse-riding, ice-skatinag, bowling, orienteering, climbing and swimming and many others so that students increase their fitness, strength and stamina whilst having fun and improving their social skills!

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18 18 / 19 Preparing to leave and transition The curriculum at Brantwood is designed to develop transferable functional skills, independence and social awareness. We will work with students to prepare aspirational and meaningful targets for their future in collaboration with their parents and relevant professionals in preparation for the next stage of their personal journey. Whether a student is moving onto their local college, a college within Ruskin Mill Trust or a work placement, we will provide support at every step of the way through the transition period. Rudolf Steiner

19 Admissions Initial Enquiry Team on or Open Evenings during term time, no booking required, just call in and see for yourself what we have to offer. Assessment If your child comes for assessment they will be included within the normal school day alongside other students, participating in all art, craft, music, drama and practical activities and supported by Brantwood staff. They will also be fully supported during unstructured times such as activity and lunch breaks. Assessment Report When your child s assessment is complete you will receive a comprehensive report, currently offered free of charge to parents. The assessment reports are reviewed by the whether we can meet your child s needs and a placement offered, if appropriate. Offer of Placement

20 20 / 21 RUSKIN MILL TRUST VISION, VALUES, PURPOSE & METHOD Charitable Objectives To advance the education of young people with learning difficulties and/ or behavioural problems or special educational needs through training in the areas of arts, craft, agriculture and environmental sciences, with particular reference being given to the indications and insights of Rudolf Steiner in these areas. To promote research into the practice and development of those areas of education provided that all research findings will be widely disseminated. Our Vision Each individual experiences meaningful relationships with universe, earth and people and has the potential to shape their own future. Our Values We value inclusive learning and living activities that integrate the intellectual, relational and practical. We value respecting and striving to understand all peoples differences and uniqueness. We believe all people have the potential for positive change and development. We value relating with openness, goodwill, tolerance and treating individuals with dignity and respect. Brantwood s Objectives We support young people to grow and develop personally by providing them with appropriate challenges and holistic experiences, so that they engage creatively and confidently with life s challenges and opportunities. We will support and encourage young people to become as independent as possible, so that they can become more self-confident and self-aware by developing positive relationships with family, friends and the wider community. We will enable our students to achieve appropriate and nationally recognised qualifications, so that they are well prepared for adulthood and are able to make a positive contribution to society. We will support young people to work through any difficulties they may have experienced in the past, so that they can rediscover meaning in their lives and develop trust in the future. We will support young people to move successfully and with confidence beyond Brantwood Specialist School by ensuring a smooth and carefully planned transition whether that is to an RMT college, to other colleges of further education, to independent living or to other appropriate provision. We will make every effort to secure the welfare and safety of our young people and maintain provision of the highest quality, so that the needs of each young person are met. Ruskin Mill Trust is a Rudolf Steiner Charitable Trust which operates Ruskin Mill College, Plas Dwbl Farm College, Glasshouse College, Freeman College, Brantwood Specialist School, Transform Residential Ltd and works in collaboration with Clervaux Trust. Registered Charity Number Sole Trustee: Ruskin Mill Trust Ltd, registered in England and Wales. Registration Number: Registered Office: Ruskin Mill, Old Bristol Road, Nailsworth, Glos GL6 0LA, UK.

21 Our Purpose We provide students with a holistic learning experience through arts, crafts, commerce, agriculture, nutrition, living skills and the environment. We operate social enterprise and commercial activities that involve students, staff and the community. We provide education, training and research opportunities for staff and the wider community. We provide cultural events and festivals for the students, staff and the community. We do this so that Students learn to look after themselves to the best of their ability and make a positive contribution to society. Funders can offer a meaningful education to a wide range of learners. Parents and supporters are reassured and confident that their children s needs are being met. Staff feel fulfilled. Our Method Inspired by Aonghus Gordon using the insights of Rudolf Steiner, John Ruskin and William Morris, Ruskin Mill Trust works with hand, head, heart and place to provide students with the tools to transform material and in doing so transform themselves. In this way students come to recognise themselves and others, they develop self and social awareness and are empowered to achieve and make positive contributions to society at large, giving back in a self-directed, productive and enjoyable way.

22 22 / 23 Our daughter had her assessment days at Brantwood and in her words they were the best two days ever. This was wonderful to hear as she was in a very emotional and vulnerable state. Parent Complementary therapies are part of the school s curriculum for each student and are helping to break down emotional barriers to school and learning. Ofsted 2012 The whole atmosphere at the school is calm and relaxed. Everyone was very welcoming and it was a pleasure to see my son happy, relaxed and joining in with group activities. Parent The environment for learning is excellent. Lessons are calm. Classrooms are well organised and resourced to smooth the learning process. Ofsted 2012 I think my son is really enjoying school at the moment. The opportunity to work on projects he is genuinely interested in seems to have had a good effect on his self-esteem and his willingness to participate. Parent I made a wormery, planted some seeds, tried to make something to hold a weight, made glue, held guinea pigs, and fed chickens. I liked chiselling in woodwork, it was fun. I didn t dislike anything, everyone was really nice; the staff and the pupils! Student

23 Ruskin Mill Trust provision in England and Wales We take referrals all year round at all our centres 97% of students complete their course successfully Innovative Practical Skills Therapeutic Education Integrated Learning for Living & Work Programme Outstanding transition into and out of college Post-16 residential provision and training Darlington, Co Durham 16+ years Residential & day students Up to 52 weeks per year 7-19 years Residential & day students Up to 52 weeks per year Registered Children s Home Clunderwen, Pembrokeshire years Residential & day students Up to 52 weeks per year Wales years Residential & day students Up to 52 weeks per year Nailsworth, Gloucestershire years Residential & day students Up to 52 weeks per year Stourbridge, West Midlands years Residential & day students Up to 52 weeks per year

24 Brantwood Specialist School 1 Kenwood Bank Nether Edge S7 1NU admin@brantwood.rmt.org School Registration No: 373/6002 Social Care Registration No: SC Brantwood Specialist School is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ruskin Mill Trust Registered Charity Number Company Number Chair of Trustees: Aonghus Gordon If you would like some information in Braille, audiocassette, large print, or another language please call