St. Giles Special School

St Giles is an inspiring, exciting and aspirational school for children and young people aged 3-18 with a broad range of difficulties from moderate/severe to profound and multiple, which includes those with autism and associated behaviours. Our school serves the whole of the Bassetlaw area, which is the most northerly district of Nottinghamshire.

We’re also a growing school. We have been commissioned to expand our provision by 35 places from September 2024, with the introduction of four brand new classes! St Giles is situated in the market town of Retford. There are currently 170 pupils on roll - including students who attend our Early Years Provision and Post 16.

Our pupils are encouraged to work in a stimulating and caring environment, where they are taught that ‘no dreams are out of reach’. Our aim is to develop the full potential of individual children involving teachers, other professionals and parents in partnership. There are 21 classes, led by 21 teachers, 3 Assistant Head Teachers and a Principal. Pupils are also enabled in their learning by 50 teaching assistants and a team of 20 Personal Care Assistants provide a variety of interventions to ensure the comfort of pupils. Administrative support is led by the Office Manager, assisted by 4 Administrators.

We also have a team of Health Care Support Workers, an ICT technician, a caretaker and cleaning team. School also commissions services from art, drama and music therapists, a sensory occupational therapist and an EHCP co-ordinator. In addition, the school has regular support from visiting nurses, paediatricians, speech therapists, physio therapists, occupational therapists and a Senior Educational psychologist.

Our purpose-built school was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Kent in 2012 and includes, teaching classrooms and specialist areas such as, music and art suites. Additional specialist facilities including hydrotherapy pool, soft play room and an interactive sensory room provide opportunities for a highly personalised learning environment.

The school also has extensive grounds with play areas equipped with trim-trails, swings, round-a-bouts, trampolines, a multi surface court and interactive sensory exploration area. St. Giles School aims to develop the full potential our pupils by providing a broad based and balanced curriculum which is individually tailored to the needs of each pupil.

Our specialist Curriculum includes National Curriculum and its pre-requisites, sensory education, communication skills, a wide ranging personal and social education programme, mobility education, and a well-developed post 16 education programme.

Our pupils are based in teaching groups according to their ability and more loosely their chronological age. There are currently four teams, focussing on formal, semiformal and pre-formal teaching. Each teaching group is the responsibility of a teacher, supported by at least one teaching assistant. Phases (primary, secondary and post 16) are encouraged to work collaboratively, resulting in a positive life-long approach to learning, which prepares our pupils for adulthood from their earliest years.

Our school has a long tradition of community involvement; we are supported by a highly effective network of ‘Friends of St Giles’ and have a coffee shop in town run by our older students, which not only provides a great interface with our local community, it also supports students to hone their functional and independence skills. St. Giles aims for strong links with parents. School diaries provide a daily link between home and school. Newsletters, a parents’ hub, review meetings and parents’ evenings all form part of our broader communication system.

St. Giles School and Nottinghamshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share our commitment