PROSPECTUS

Specialist education services in Asperger’s Syndrome (high-functioning autism) and complex needs Cambian Lodge School Mixed gender I 8-18 years I Up to 38 weeks I Flexible placements

The Cambian Group is one of the largest providers of specialist services in education, health and care for children and adults in the UK. We support more than 2,990 individuals across 286 services; we work with over 140 public authorities and employ more than 7,200 staff.

Although our work embraces many specialist disciplines, it is united by a common purpose: To actively enable each and every one of the people in our care to achieve their personal best; however it is defined by them or for them.

Everything we do is directed towards achieving this aim.

03 Student profile 04 Our approach 05 Therapeutic services 07 Teaching and learning 08 Qualifications and achievement 09 Our environment 10 Family contact 11 Case study 12 Transition pathway 13 Community links 14 Admissions 15 www.cambiangroup.com Additional Information 16 How to find us Cambian Welcome

We are pleased to welcome you on behalf of the students and staff of Cambian Potterspury Lodge School.

We understand that the process of moving to a new school can be a difficult experience for both the student and the parent or carer. A move to a specialist residential school will no doubt raise many questions, we hope this prospectus will help you find answers and discover more about our school, students, staff routines and everyday life.

Once you have read our prospectus we would encourage you to visit us for an opportunity to meet with students and staff, and learn more about our school.

We are sure that should your child join us, they will enjoy and benefit from their experience at Cambian Potterspury Lodge School. www.cambiangroup.com

2 Student profile Achieving their personal best

Cambian has a history of delivering ‘Outstanding’ education and care for students with Asperger’s Syndrome or high-functioning autism and other associated needs.

Cambian Potterspury Lodge School is an Network) certificates, or achieving Ofsted registered independent specialist personal learning aims and goals. school offering flexible placements for We pride ourselves on the range of up to 38 weeks for boys and girls aged specialist support services within our 8 – 18 years old with Asperger’s Syndrome multidisciplinary team who work together / high-functioning autism, complex to enhance the learning experiences needs and challenging behaviour. of our students. We draw out the The purpose of the school is to potential in each student and work prepare students for the demands alongside them to discover their of adult life through staff expertise own personal strengths. and specialist approaches. We Above all, students provide a nurturing environment thrive at Cambian that encourages students to flourish Potterspury Lodge academically, socially and emotionally. Student profile School, and  We aim to teach self-management that enjoy the Mixed gender, ages 8-18yrs allows students to utilise their strengths learning  Primary diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome or and manage their difficulties successfully. experience. high-functioning autism and associated conditions Our work is based upon understanding  Complex needs and associated challenging behaviour the ability of the student to manage as an  Often multiple exclusions and placement breakdowns individual, as part of a group and within  A history of school refusal, periods of time out of school their family and the wider community.  May have experienced previous admission to a CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) We celebrate success and achievement inpatient unit at every opportunity, recognising that  these outcomes for our students can Specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia  be measured in many forms. This may Issued with a Statement of Special Educational Needs include achieving qualifications, such as (SEN) or Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) GCSEs, functional skills, ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation www.cambiangroup.com

3 Our approach Dedicated to each and every student

Cambian Potterspury Lodge School consists of small class groups, creating a supportive and relaxing environment where students can learn and achieve their personal best.

The school’s approach to behaviour committed to best practices and change is positive and non-aversive. safe behaviour management Our specialist team: The teaching styles and strategies methods that focus on prevention.  Specialist teachers are developed with Asperger’s The therapeutic services Syndrome / high-functioning autism  Teaching assistants approach ensures difficulties are in mind and are very much led  Residential staff / keyworkers detected and allows students to by the needs of the students. receive support as needed.  Speech and language therapists The work of staff is based upon  Clinical psychologist Our overall aim is for our multidisciplinary understanding the ability of the student team to work alongside the care and  Consultant child and to manage academically, socially and education teams, enabling students adolescent psychiatrist emotionally in various situations. to overcome their difficulties and  Occupational therapists Individualised plans are designed to promote their individual strengths. meet students’ specific needs, and Students are supported by: Our educational programmes allow these plans form the basis of the four- individuals to engage and participate way partnership between the student,  Maximum class size of eight students in activities such as shopping, sports, school, family and local authority.  High staff ratio of between 1:4 and 1:1 swimming, social skills, library The curriculum is tailored to individual (this is decided at assessment visits, fishing and country walks. needs and it is supported by Individual specific to student needs) Every member of staff is dedicated to Education Plans (IEPs). These plans  On-site therapeutic team help all students achieve their potential allow each student to have access through a personalised curriculum. to a challenging, broad, relevant The school day provides opportunities This approach is designed to assist and differentiated curriculum that is for academic, personal and social www.cambiangroup.com the students in developing academic, designed to be Asperger’s Syndrome skills to be developed. Full use is social and life skills that will enable / high-functioning autism friendly. also made of resources in the local environment. We have a well-developed them to achieve the maximum amount Therapeutic services work experience programme that of independence in their adult lives. Cambian Potterspury Lodge School allows all students once in key stage makes use of the crisis prevention 4 and post-16 to attend supported or intervention (CPI) framework. CPI is individual work experience placements. an international training organisation

4 Therapeutic services Specialist interventions for students

Our therapy team contributes to a therapeutic environment through staff training, support and personalised intervention for all students.

In the first 3 months of a student joining struggle to engage with the therapy team, Tailored AS-friendly environments Cambian Potterspury Lodge School, they care can be provided indirectly through the Classroom layouts are flexible, are assessed by the multidisciplinary care and education staff and local services. allowing for individual needs. There therapy team. In addition, students Our overall aim is to work alongside the is plenty of room for students who can be referred for further individual care and education teams, enabling work better alone in their own therapy appointments throughout students to overcome their difficulties personal space. Equipment can their time at the school. Following and promote their individual strengths. easily be arranged to accommodate an assessment, an individualised In addition, the therapy team devise those who thrive on collaborative programme will be developed; sessions and implement anger/anxiety approaches to learning. will take the form of 1:1 direct sessions management programmes through 1:1 with the therapist, indirect sessions via Holistic approaches and indirect work with the students. the key worker and teacher, and group The school has access to a full range sessions with a selected peer group. Each term, a student has an education of qualified clinicians accommodating review meeting with staff members for students’ individual needs. Appointments with therapists are who are closely involved in their confidential. However, parents will receive care. This meeting is an opportunity Training in life/work skills feedback alongside other aspects to discuss a student’s overall care, Work related learning gives our of their schooling and will be aware education and therapy needs. students real life experiences in that their son or daughter is receiving the local community. This develops support. Telephone appointments not only their work skills but also can be made with therapists, and self-esteem, confidence, team there is an opportunity to meet and work and communication skills. talk with them on our annual parents evening or by individual appointment. Curriculum flexibility We support all types of students Students may suffer from additional with varying abilities, entering mental health disorders such as anxiety individuals for qualifications and depression. These students are ranging from Entry Level and given the opportunity to attend sessions Level 1 courses right up through to with therapists. For those students who GCSE and Level 3 equivalents. We also work with local colleges to www.cambiangroup.com allow a wider curriculum offer.

5 Speech and language therapy Psychology service (including clinical  Support individuals to make their (SaLT) aims psychologist and cognitive behaviour own treatment decisions and act as  Assist students to use their existing therapist) an advocate for them when necessary. communication skills effectively. The psychology service is integrated within  Develop environments and  Enable students to develop and learn the school’s multidisciplinary service and a culture that promotes positive new functional communication skills. works jointly with psychiatry, occupational behaviour and emotional wellbeing.  Support students to develop their therapy and speech and language therapy.  Support those that care for these social integration skills with an This approach enables staff to deliver a individuals to reinforce improved ability to consider the service that is holistic and collaborative positive behaviour and thoughts and feelings of others. dependent on each student’s needs. promote emotional wellbeing. Aims of this service:  Deliver regular training to staff teams Occupational therapy services aims  Promote emotional to support them to promote positive Occupational therapy supports students health and wellbeing. behaviour and emotional wellbeing. to meet a wide range of needs in:  Support the individual to  Sensory difficulties. develop positive and more  Life skills including personal care, secure relationships with others. cooking and eating, domestic skills  Promote positive behaviour. and independence skills.  Encourage individuals to learn  Coordination of the arms, legs to allow and employ appropriate actions such as running, crawling, and coping strategies to regulate swimming. their behaviour and support  Self-regulation to improve their own emotional wellbeing. concentration and management of emotions.  Organisational skills.

6 8 Teaching and learning A varied and fulfilling education

We have a flexible approach to learning, personalising the curriculum and offering small teaching groups to meet students’ learning needs and abilities.

Curriculum The curriculum model emphasises the importance of key core subjects, whilst At Cambian Potterspury Lodge School offering the full national curriculum. Our we aim to provide consistent, diverse, curriculum offers a range of options in enjoyable and structured learning years 9 to 11 that can lead to external opportunities through a waking day accreditation and qualifications. There curriculum, seven days a week. is also an opportunity for students to We understand that not all young people have short periods of work experience; with Asperger’s Syndrome / high- these may be on or off-site. Where functioning autism will learn new skills possible, the school places students at the same pace. Our curriculum caters with local employers and works for students with a wide range of needs with partner organisations to ensure regardless of the speed of their progress. the suitability of placements.

Cambian Potterspury Lodge School Consistent teaching and learning takes believes that students are entitled to a place over a longer period than in curriculum that is characterised by breadth, mainstream day schools. Class groups are balance, relevance and progression. small, allowing for individual programmes of study. Alongside the formal Personalised approach curriculum, behaviour management The curriculum followed is broadly strategies and the development of based on the statutory requirements social skills are also an integral part of the new national curriculum, but the of every lesson on the timetable. delivery of subjects is adapted to meet the very particular needs of our students. www.cambiangroup.com

7 Qualifications and achievements Ensuring progress

Our students make good progress in all aspects of learning, whether it’s social, emotional, behavioural or academic.

We offer a range of qualifications, including:

 GCSEs  Information Technology Qualification Level 1 and 2  AQA Unit Awards  Entry Level  Functional Skills  Sports Leaders Award  ASA Swimming and Gymnastics  Open awards  ASDAN qualification  Through links with local further education colleges we provide a variety of post-16 courses including A Levels

In addition to academic attainment, students are provided with the opportunity to develop their full personal potential in the following areas:

 Physical health and wellbeing  Independence, life skills and self-help  Social acceptability  Communication skills  The development of relationships with adults and peers  The ability to make informed choices  Intellectual development and problem-solving  Moral, social, cultural and emotional fulfilment  Positive self-esteem, self-awareness and self-confidence  Leisure and self-occupation skills

8 12 Our environment A home away from home

Cambian Potterspury Lodge School is situated in a rural setting between and in .

The school is set in a large country house rooms. They are encouraged to bring and grounds with additional education pictures, books and any other special and residential premises within the twenty- items that are personal to them. two acre site. We have a large playing Students can watch television in field and hard court surfaces for recreation their free time in the lounges, which and there is an adventure playground offers a selection of Freeview digital in the grounds for younger students. channels. A range of resources and Each house has its own lounge and games are also available in each kitchenette. All houses have toilets and living area for students to use. showers, with most houses containing baths. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for tidiness around the house and in their own www.cambiangroup.com

9 Family contact Supporting students and their families

Our aim at Cambian Potterspury Lodge School is to work in partnership with parents and siblings to create an environment where families feel supported.

Access to staff Students are encouraged to maintain contact with family and are supported We understand that families may be to phone, write and send photographs anxious when a child starts at a new regularly. Contact is very important to school. All parents and carers have access our students, and they benefit greatly to members of staff that are involved from receiving letters, postcards and in the education and care of their child, calls from parents and their wider family, including our therapy team. We welcome as often as possible. This enables the questions and are happy to provide students to feel they have a continuing advice to help parents support their role in, and knowledge of, family life. children. Residential staff also provide a weekly report to parents and carers. Two-way support

The therapy and care teams are We operate an open door policy for an important link for families. They parents who are welcome to arrange visits offer practical support to parents in with the school at any time. Telephone transferring strategies from school to can be a crucial link, as well as email home and management of challenging communication and / or Skype. We behaviour in the home environment. have a firm commitment to two-way Individual appointments can be support and openness of attitude made with members of the therapy where partnership with parents team to discuss individual needs. is concerned, and we involve families in care, target-setting Keeping in touch and individual programme We encourage students to maintain close content, to achieve a greater contact with their families, supporting degree of consistency. them in remembering family birthdays, and special and seasonal occasions.

10 Case study JT’s Journey

A student’s story from Cambian Potterspury Lodge School.

When we first met JT JT’s care

“When I had my interview, Mrs Haylett said ‘we would like The care JT received concentrated on helping him you to come to Potterspury. We think you would fit in and do understand his condition and how it impacted on his well here.’ No other school had ever said that to me. The behaviours. There was a strong focus on developing his others seemed to find reasons why I wouldn’t fit in.” social skills, both in the school environment and the wider community. The development of trusting relationships with JT arrived with a history of failed education caused by staff helped JT take the steps needed to fulfil his potential. behavioural problems associated with his diagnosis of autism JT had an interest in gadgets and staff encouraged him spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite disliking attention he exhibited to channel this interest productively towards his goals. loud noises and caused deliberate disruption. JT did not settle in well on his first evening as a residential student; setting Today off the fire alarm in an attempt to stop his parents leaving. After gaining his ICT qualifications, JT returned to his JT’s progress hometown and successfully gained employment in a role very much suited to his skills, working in IT at a car dealership. JT worked hard to achieve the GCSE results needed to take JT’s role involves setting up new software, building new a Level 2 ICT course at a local mainstream college. Building computers and supporting his colleagues with software on this success, he continued with his post-16 education and network troubleshooting “I love it, it involves computers for 3 years and completed the Level 3 ICT course. During and cars - who wouldn’t?”, said JT. JT learned how to drive this time JT showed an improvement in his maturity, gained as part of our post-16 programme and enjoys the benefits independence skills, and with the help of staff demonstrated of a company car provided by his new employer. an ability to manage his time effectively ”I hated being sent away at first. But in the end I stayed on longer than any other What is the future like for AT? student and the school supported me throughout college too.” JT is a confident and happy young man with a good job and JT went on to support the school Scout troop as a Young Leader, a bright future. He visited us in the summer with his girlfriend helping to prepare and run Scout evenings for younger students. and parents who thanked us unreservedly for “giving JT a life”.

JT said his favourite subject at Potterspury Lodge School was music. “It wasn’t taught like any other music lesson I had ever had before. My teacher taught me to play the music that really meant something to me.” www.cambiangroup.com

*Name has been changed to protect student’s identity. Photo for illustrative purposes only. 11 Transition pathway We focus on developing education, life and vocational skills that support a successful transition into adulthood.

Local authority Parent

Personalised transition plan

Cambian Potterspury Lodge School

Behaviour Tolerance Educational Daily Expected Communication Independence and anxiety and coping qualifications living skills integration skills mgmt. outcomes skills

Personalised transition plan

FE college or Apprenticeship Full-time higher education schemes employment

Supported independent living www.cambiangroup.com

12 Community links Opportunities in and out of school

It is important to ensure our students are supported to live in the community and not just in our school environment, so every opportunity is taken to teach in real-life situations.

Interacting with the community Extra curricular activities

We aim to provide plenty of opportunities Opportunities are available locally for for our students to be included in life students to join clubs and successful outside the school, while still allowing links have been forged with the them to remain in their comfort following: a golf club, a football club, zone. Students are given a range athletics, a youth club, riding schools, of experiences within the area and a drama club, Scouts and Judo. contact with the local community is an Students participate in independence essential part of our weekly routine. training in the community. This teaches Students are encouraged to take them how to go off site into town and up small jobs such as working in make safe use of public transport, local local cafes and charity shops. The amenities and shopping centres. school has links with local religious Cambian Potterspury Lodge School is communities, and arrangements at the very heart of our local community. can be made for students who wish The school has built excellent links to attend their own denominational with local businesses and leisure churches and places of worship. facilities, offering work experience, Opportunities to become involved learning opportunities and life skills. in community projects are provided throughout the year, such as local fêtes, competitions, Red Nose Day, Children in Need, Remembrance Day, and other festivals and events.

13 Admissions Securing your child’s future

For more information on Cambian Potterspury Lodge School and our staff, and an in-depth look at our curriculum, services, outcomes and approach, visit www.cambiangroup.com

We understand that choosing the right Team and if they feel the school is able To discuss a placement in school for your child can be a difficult to meet the child’s needs, he or she confidence, call us on decision. To support this process we have will be invited to visit the school to 0800 138 1184 or email parent liaison officers available who meet some of the staff and students. [email protected]. can offer further support and guidance Throughout the admissions procedure, on how we could be the right school to the student is kept at the centre of the meet your child’s needs. We encourage process. We believe it is unhelpful for the you to visit our school to meet students prospective student to see the school and staff, as well as find answers to before the initial assessment, as it can those questions not easily answered be a disruption or a disappointment in this prospectus or on our website. if we ultimately feel we cannot meet To initiate the assessment process, local their needs. Sometimes this strategy is authorities and/or children’s services changed, however we always work in departments make formal requests for partnership with the local authority and a placement. Parents should involve parents/carers to determine the best way their local authorities at an early forward. Following the assessment and stage. This ensures that visits by local review of reports, the head teacher is then authority educational psychologists or able to make a decision as to whether other professionals can be arranged Cambian Potterspury Lodge School is to ascertain the appropriateness of the the right placement for the prospective school for each prospective student. student. The majority of students are referred and placed by their local Referral paperwork made available by education authorities, often supported by local authorities, other placing bodies children’s services and their healthcare and parents, such as a statement of colleagues. There are cases in which educational needs plan or an education, some students are privately funded. health and care plan are read by members of the Senior Leadership

14 Additional information

Our policies can be requested by contacting us on 0800 138 1184 or by emailing [email protected]

Safeguarding statement something you were pleased with, or tell us we did not meet your expectations, The parents of students at Cambian please contact the school via the contact Potterspury Lodge School should be aware details at the back of this prospectus. A that the school has a duty to safeguard and complaints procedure allows for both promote the welfare of their students. This formal and informal complaints. responsibility necessitates a safeguarding policy and the school may need to share Informal complaints will be dealt with information and work in partnership with quickly, while formal complaints can other agencies when there are concerns be made in writing. Our full complaints about a child’s welfare. This policy on child policy is available from the school protection is in accordance with the locally on request. This policy is designed to agreed inter-agency procedures and help you raise concerns and ensures Hampshire Child Protection procedures. your complaint will be listened to and The policy also complies with guidance dealt with fairly. Should you wish to take from the Department for Education DfE your complaint further or if you feel you and the Local Safeguarding Children are unable to discuss the details with Board (LSCB). The school recognises it is an the school, please contact Cambian via agent of referral and not of investigation. the contact details at the back of this prospectus, especially if your complaint Anyone can make a referral to relates to the school leadership. children’s social care, if necessary. The designated safeguarding lead (DSL) The proprietor for the school is Lisé Sugden and the The Proprietor of the school, Chris Strong, www.cambiangroup.com deputy DSLs are Christine Haylett, Bev Managing Director of Education, can be Grice, Carol Clews and Tori Snell. contacted at the following address: Complaints procedures The Cambian Group, Metropolitan We know there will be times when students, House, 3 Darkes Lane, Potters carers, parents or placing authorities will Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1AG. want to give us feedback about our school Telephone: 0800 138 1418 and we will always be happy to hear Email: [email protected] from you. If you feel that you would like to make a suggestion, let us know about 15 Cambian Potterspury Lodge School

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How to find us

By rail Cambian Potterspury Lodge School is located From Northampton about 8 miles and about a 15 minute taxi ride from Milton Keynes Central railway station. Milton Keynes is on the main line from London Euston, A5 offering a direct service, so is easily accessible. Cambian Potterspury Lodge By car School, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 7LL Cambian Potterspury Lodge School is located From directly off the A5 between Milton Keynes and Whittlebury

Towcester. We are just a few miles from many A5 MOOREND ROAD neighbouring towns - a central location for accessing many of the attractions in Northamptonshire. From To receive an application pack or to discuss a referral in confidence, please call us on 0800 138 1184 or email From [email protected] Puxley A5

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The Cambian Group is one of the UK’s largest providers of specialist behavioural health services for children and adults. The Cambian Group comprises a number of companies headed by Cambian Group plc, which are registered in and Wales and the Bailiwick of Jersey. The details of those companies in the Cambian Group registered in England and Wales can be found at http://www.cambiangroup.com/cambiangroup/legal CAM357 Date of preparation 07/11/19