West Kirby Residential School - Specialist Special Educational Needs (SEN) College
Special needs catered for
Approximately one quarter of the pupils attend on a weekly boarding basis or regular overnight stays. Pupils have complex special needs who are recognised by their Local Authority as having social, medical, emotional and behavioural problems. We also cater for Speech, Language and Communication difficulties and pupils on the Autistic Spectrum including Asperger’s Syndrome.
Specialist facilities
All pupils are offered full access to the National Curriculum and work towards appropriate accreditation in all subjects. Differentiation and small classes with high levels of adult support. The school facilities are modern and well equipped including 12 classrooms and a Science Laboratory. Practical subjects are well supported with a sports hall and multi gym, home economics and textiles, photography, music and CDT areas all having been refurbished or newly built.
Support services provided
We employ a part-time Educational Psychologist and a part-time Physiotherapist who see pupils on a one to one or group basis, and a visiting consultant Psychiatrist providing advice and support. Our Speech and Language department has one full and two part-time therapists, again working with individuals or in group situations. A consultant dietician advises on planning menus for all pupils, and consults with medical staff on specialist diets when required. Qualified nursing staff are on duty daily, with a local GP visiting the school regularly. The school works closely with all child agencies.
Residential setting
The residential areas are again modern and of high quality, the children being based in three house groups with individual bedrooms, joint recreation and dining facilities. Some of our residents now live in houses in the local community. Care staff are on duty throughout lunchtimes, evenings and overnight and offer further support in class during the school day. A programme of after school activities, often within the local community, is prepared with the pupils. Flexible boarding can be arranged to suit individual pupil needs.
Home school links
Great emphasis is placed on regular contact with parents and carers. Annual reviews are held for all pupils with invitations to parents and professionals. Parents are welcome at any time. Comprehensive end of year reports are prepared for all pupils. Parents’ evenings are organised twice yearly to discuss progress.
General environment
The school is situated close to the centre of West Kirby, a small town on the North West coast of the Wirral peninsular. It is ideally situated for outdoor pursuits such as walking, cycling and watersports and local amenities provide a range of cultural and leisure entertainment, all of which pupils are encouraged to participate in. Annual summer camps are held for all pupils, both locally and abroad to suit all abilities and age groups.
Aims and philosophy
The school’s main aim is to provide a stable, caring and stimulating environment within which children can come to terms with their difficulties and receive professional treatment, support and therapy thus encouraging them to meet their full potential. Pastoral Care is a strength of the school, as is the focus on Every Child Matters.
Staff qualification and selection
All teaching staff are approved by the DFE, all Care and Support staff are very experienced and fully qualified, or working towards appropriately nationally recognised qualifications. Ongoing support and training is available and the school holds Bronze Investor in People Status. Recruitment procedures are rigorous.
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