Overview
Alderwasley Hall School and Sixth Form Centre is an independent specialist day and residential school for young people aged 5 to 19 years with Specific Language Disorders, Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autistic Spectrum Disorders, all of whom experience complex speech, language and communication needs. The School and Sixth Form Centre are located on separate sites within five miles of each other and are situated in Derbyshire, close to the towns of Matlock, Belper and Wirksworth. The City of Derby is also within easy access.
The aim of all aspects of the curriculum is to prepare students for adult life by fulfilling their social and academic potential. Young people are supported to develop and achieve academic and vocational plans, develop independent living skills and a clear sense of identity enabling them to contribute to society in adult life.
The individual needs of students, as set out and met through Therapy and educational programmes, underpinned by high quality care.
Curriculum
Pupils follow a curriculum broadly aligned with the national model, working towards accredited outcomes such as GCSEs and Functional Skills.
The post-16 curriculum offers a variety of courses at different levels, including vocational qualifications and life skills programmes.
Times and availability
Age Range: 5 - 19 years
Contact
Costs
Cost is based on assessment of individual needs
Referral
Funded placements will require approval by the Local Authority. You are advised to contact the Education, Health and Care Plan Co-ordinator who has been involved with your child, in the first instance, if you wish to consider a placement at an independent special school
If you would like more information please call Tel:01332 378840 or email:info@senadgroup.com
Inclusion
Supporting
- Autism
- Social, emotional and mental health needs
- Communication and interaction needs
- Other
Local Offer
How is a decision made about the type and level of support my child will receive?
This is determined through the requirements in your child’s Statement of Special Education Needs or Education, Health and Care Plan and other information gained during the referral and the assessment process. After we have assessed your child, we send our assessment report to the Local Authority. The Local Authority and other agencies then review the report and agree whether or not to fund your child’s placement at the school.
Your child will receive a broad and balanced curriculum which takes into account their needs. Timetables and study pathways are individually tailored to met need, ability and aspirations.
Targets for your child’s progress (known as outcomes) are set when your child starts at the school, and there is an ongoing assessment and review of progress against these targets.
How will staff support my child?
We have a multidisciplinary team approach which includes Teachers, Therapists, Care Staff and Specialist Support Staff. This ensures that all areas of our students’ needs are met. Any difficulties are addressed quickly and effectively, and our students’ progress is constantly monitored. In addition, we can ensure effective liaison with parents and placing Local Authorities.
We have a very high ratio of staff to students across both education and care. Class sizes are very small. Ongoing regular training ensures that staff are proactive and flexible in meeting students’ needs. Younger students, aged 5 to 11 years, are taught in our Primary Centre. They are taught by a very small number of familiar staff and follow a primary curriculum.
At Key Stage 3, young people gradually begin to widen their sphere of familiar staff and access a greater range of specialist resource bases. When they reach Key Stage 4, young people will follow individualised timetables incorporating Entry Level and GCSE subjects along with a range of other subjects which are taught in tutor groups.
Our Sixth Form Centre offers post 16 students a highly individualised educational, therapeutic and residential programme aimed at addressing the transition from Key Stage 4 to adulthood.
Young people who reside are allocated a Key Worker who is dedicated to ensuring that their individual needs are met. The Key Worker is an important part of our interdisciplinary team and is a key link between the school other professional and parents.