Type of service: Assessment, Day schools, Residential schools, Schools

Service URL: http://www.thesheilingringwood.co.uk

Set on a 50 acre site, class sizes are on average 4-6 students and have a high staff ratio, including 1:1 or 1:2 support. Every student is educated and cared for as an individual. This means we can support students to develop their independence and provide a pathway for transferring these into the wider community. The Sheiling Ringwood has the benefit of a team of on-site therapists. This includes speech and language, occupational and physiotherapy. A home from home setting, where having fun, relaxing and sharing social time is considered as valuable as formal learning and guidance. A personalised Total Communication system, used throughout The Sheiling Ringwood, for opportunities and motivation for interactive communication. All staff train in Signalong which, like Makaton, supports speech. The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is also widely used as part of our total communication approach. Social stories are used to enable students to understand the process of interacting and responding in an appropriate manner. Elements of the Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children (TEACCH) system are used throughout The Sheiling Ringwood. The Sheiling Ringwood adopts a positive approach to behaviour, all staff train in Positive Range of Options to Avoid Crisis and use Therapy, Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention (PROACT-SCIPr) UK which uses proactive methods to avoid triggers that may lead a student to present behavioural challenges to get their needs met. Referrals often come from a local authority, parents, social services or a current education provider. The school uses the Structure, Positive (approaches and expectations), Empathy, Low arousal, Links (SPELL) framework in elements of our teaching. This is a not for profit, independent school. There is respite and additional provision for the summer. Volunteers may be accepted to work with the pupils.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Adult , Child , Young person

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour, Complex needs, Learning disability