Type of service: Day schools, Schools

Meadow High School is a large community special secondary school for pupils aged 11 to 19 years catering for pupils with complex Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) and/or autism. We have experience in supporting pupils with a range of Special Educational Needs (SEN), including: MLD; Specific Learning Difficulties (SPLD), including Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Dyspraxia, Speech, Language and Communication difficulties (SPLCD); Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); and Physical difficulties, including Sensory Processing difficulties and Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties and Challenging Behaviours. At Meadow High School we have high expectations and aspirations for all pupils. We are an inclusive school and all pupils are given equal opportunities and access to a broad and balanced curriculum. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils are able to access and progress through programmes of study that are appropriate to their levels of ability. Wherever possible, learning is made relevant to real life and is supported by educational visits and other places of interest. Our school is set up in a way that encourages all pupils to interact and be included fully in the school community leading to positive outcomes. The school is organised on a “themed” basis where pupils are matched in terms of need and/or ability. Our teachers are skilled and responsible for ensuring pupils achieve their potential including, where appropriate, certificated courses. Within Meadow High School there is a specialist 'autism' provision known as the Thematic Provision for our pupils with more complex needs/ASD with classes across all key stages. The main aim of the Thematic Provision is to enable our children and young people to achieve their potential, whilst developing their independence in communication, social competence, thinking and learning and sensory regulation. In order to give our pupils' maximum opportunities for learning and development, some classes follow the principles of the Structure, Positive approaches and expectations, Empathy, Low arousal, Links (SPELL) Framework using bespoke autism specific teaching interventions and approaches including the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) approach to learning. We communicate with pupils using various methods appropriate to their level of understanding. These methods include alternative and augmentative systems including signing, symbols and speech. The school has an established Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) currently consisting of a Lead Practitioner, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language, Physiotherapy and Welfare staff. The aim is to meet the needs defined within a pupil's Statement of Special Educational Needs/Education, Health Care Plans (EHCP) and any emerging needs. The Multi-Disciplinary Team undertakes clinical assessments and therapeutic intervention with pupils placed at the school to enable them to access the school curriculum more effectively. The fundamental aim of Meadow High School is to provide a secure and stimulating learning environment, where every pupil will be inspired and encouraged to achieve their potential. We continue to work to the philosophy of the Every Child Matters agenda..

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child , Young person

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour, Learning disability