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 The school has three classes, each with 6 students. Students in each class come from the same residential house, which facilitates communication and consistency between the education and care aspects of the school. Students follow different programmes throughout the day, which means that they work with students from other houses and different members of staff. A fourth group comprises the rising 19 and post 19 students follow a separate Learning for Living programme which develops skills for life after Penhurst.
The school day runs from 08-50 to 15-45, and follows a pattern of three terms a year. Each class has a principal teacher supported by a number of teaching assistants within the class base. Other support staff include Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy assistants, Speech Therapists and Speech and Language assistants, and Occupational Therapists. The school day follows a varied timetable that emphasises individualised learning as well as appropriate access to the National Curriculum. A typical day starts with a communication session and some aspect of literacy which might be a sensory story. After break students will work on targets from their individual learning plan or attend a hydrotherapy or physiotherapy session. After lunch there may be a topic session which explores an aspect of the National Curriculum through a sensory and developmental route. The day concludes with a group session when the achievements of the day are celebrated and recorded, and some quiet time for reflection.
For more information on the school, click here |
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 The children and young people live in one of four self contained houses, each with a dining room, lounge, two adapted bathrooms, single and twin bedrooms. These are supported for by 13 qualified and experienced care staff on a rota covering all 7 days of the week.
The typical day starts at 7 am and ends at bedtime, which varies depending on the age of the young person. After school the children return to their house for a drink and relaxation before dinner, after which the young people will choose the play activities they wish to engage in before bath time and bed.The children have all their meals in their house. The school chef provides nutritional and healthy meals using local and fresh organic ingredients wherever possible, all prepared in our on-site kitchen.
At the weekends the children typically join in local events, go shopping or play with their friends. In school holidays daily activities are planned to keep everyone busy and entertained. The majority of our children spend some time at home during the holidays, and this is arranged in close liaison with their family and keyworker.
Families can come and stay at Penhurst – we have a two bedroomed ground floor flat where the children can stay with their family and enjoy private space and time, with the facilities of Penhurst available at all times.
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 Penhurst have a team of 3.5 nurses who work with local GPs and hospitals. Our nurses are available either on site or on call, and Penhurst has long established good links with local hospitals. One GP from a local practice provides – a weekly clinic at Penhurst and is the main initial contact in the event of illness. The nurses arrange for the children to attend hospital for medical appointments
We employ specialist therapists to provide speech therapy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy in our own pool, occupational therapy, and music therapy. They work with the houses and school to incorporate therapy into everyday activities and life.
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