Type of service: Day schools, Schools, Residential services, Respite and short breaks

Service URL: http://www.birtenshaw.org.uk

Birtenshaw is a small, non-maintained special school on the outskirts of Bolton rated by Ofsted as 'Good'. We offer education for children and young people aged 3-19 years with moderate to severe and/or complex learning. The school uses a Total Communication approach and we ensure that our routines and structures support the pupil to feel safe and happy. The curriculum at Birtenshaw School supports our vision of brightening lives and building futures by giving pupils the opportunity to learn and develop in a supportive and creative environment in which there is a focus on recognising achievement and supporting progression. The curriculum is individualised and flexible allowing for the needs of each pupil to be met. The school is committed to providing a broad and balanced curriculum, based on the National Curriculum for those pupils of compulsory school age. There are blended opportunities for pupils to develop functional skills, independence skills and skills for working life as appropriate in line with the 14-19 years curriculum. Our pupils have complex learning needs and their individualised timetables provide opportunities for pupils to withdraw from some lessons to participate in therapy sessions with the Occupational Therapist (OT) and Speech and Language Therapist (SaLT). Our classes are taught by qualified and experienced teachers who are specialists in Special Education. Each class is supported by a team of Teaching Assistants.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour, Learning disability

Level: NAS Autism Accreditation - Accredited