Where to Find Us

Where to find us

School Name Downs Park School School Address Foredown Road PORTSLADE BN41 2FU

Telephone 01273 417 448 Fax 01273 438 619 e-mail [email protected]

The school is situated in Portslade Old Village and occupies a site on the edge of the South Downs with views over the sea and Shoreham Harbour

Downs Park

1 About our school

Downs Park School is a Community Special School maintained by Brighton & Hove Council. It currently has 70 pupils on roll aged 5 to 16 years. The school is staffed to provide an education for pupils with a variety of special needs, who are in possession of a Statement of Special Educational Needs as defined under the Education Act 1993. The school has expertise in a range of special needs which may be associated with learning difficulties, the foremost of these being in pupils with Autistic Spectrum Conditions. Downs Park School's outreach services provide training and development for governors, teachers and support staff across the city. Outreach programmes are tailored to meet individual pupil and school needs. The school has established a Special Facility at West Blatchington Primary School. The local authority are formalizing the service level agreement for this provision and Downs Park school will provide the training and development for the staff team and offer SEN advice and support to the school.

2 Mission Statement

Downs Park School aims to be a caring community dedicated to providing a high quality education to all of its pupils of whom we have high expectations. We value all who contribute to the process of teaching and learning and seek to enhance individual development based on high professional standards, mutual trust and respect of the essential worth and human dignity of all its members.

Aims 1. To create an ethos in the school which encourages our pupils to feel confident and secure and in which pupils develop their self- esteem through success and achievement.

2. To broaden each pupil’s horizons through new experiences and challenges.

3. To offer a broad and balanced curriculum which is relevant and challenging and is appropriately differentiated to meet the individual needs of the pupils.

4. To realise the potential of every pupil and help each develop as an independent, productive and contributory member of society.

5. To involve parents and support them in the care, development and education of their child.

6. To extend and offer advice and support to colleagues with pupils with special educational needs in mainstream schools.

7. To promote a happy atmosphere where children feel valued and learn together effectively in a spirit of equality and feeling of personal self-worth.

3 Admissions

Prospective parents and carers are welcome to visit the school at any time. Please contact the school to make an appointment.

Pupils are placed at Downs Park by the Local Authority. Any queries concerning admissions should be directed to Admissions Kings House Grand Avenue Hove BN3 2LS Once a placement has been agreed by Brighton and Hove Local Authority pupils may join the school at any age and at any time.

Whenever possible we try to set up a period of transition tailored to the needs of the child.

Transport to and from school

Taxi, minibus or coach transport, is provided by the Local Authority, for those pupils who are unable to travel independently to school. From the September following their 14th birthday some pupils are provided with bus passes to encourage them to become more responsible for their travel to school and to develop their independence skills. Each pupil’s need for free transport is reviewed annually by the LEA.

Accommodation

Downs Park was opened in 1963 as The Downs School and had 5 classrooms with additional rooms for woodwork and food technology. In September 1988 the school changed its name to Downs Park. In 2002/2003 the school underwent an extensive building programme and now has an additional floor. In 2011 more building works were carried out to provide more specialist accommodation. The school now comprises of the following:

4 Ground Floor  A large life skills room  A performing arts room for drama including a new food and music technology area  An open classroom for  A fully equipped science lab meetings, circle time etc.  A sensory room  An ICT suite  A large medical and  The key stage 1 ASC class that therapy room includes a classroom, quiet room, sensory room and toilet. There is also an outdoor area adjacent to the class  Offices  Library  School hall  Toilets  Changing rooms  Storage rooms

First floor  7 classrooms, 3 of  A design technology room which contain a quiet room and one has its own toilet  An art room  The Learning Inclusion Support Service (LISS) that contains two small classrooms/quiet rooms, a calming room, an office and toilet  Pupil toilets  Staff room

Outside space Outside we are very lucky to have a large playground and field where we have 2 fitness trails and a tyre park

5 Organisation

At present the school is divided into Lower School, Upper School and ASC departments.

Lower School has three classes  Gold Class (Years 4, 5 & 6)  Year 7  Years 8 & 9

Upper school has 2 classes  Year 10  Year 11

The ASC department has three classes  Orange Class Foundation and Key Stage 1 (Years R, 1, 2, 3)  Green Class Key Stage 2 (Years 3, 4, 5 & 6)  Diamond Class Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8, 9, 10, & 11)

At present every class has the equivalent of one full time teacher and one teaching assistant. ASC classes are more highly staffed and generally have two teaching assistants.

Some pupils have a one to one teaching assistant depending on need and availability.

The lower school, Green Class and Diamond Class are taught using a topic based approach with all classes working on the same topic.

6 Learning and Inclusion Support Service (LISS) Supporting all our students

The Learning Support Service aims to enable successful access for pupils to all areas of school life, from lessons to break times, trips and so on. We encourage pupils to ‘give things a try’ and support them when facing difficult challenges involved in growing up and being part of a school. The support includes: anger management, assertiveness, social skills sessions, in class support etc. We have bespoke programmes for those pupils who need something additional to the main school curriculum, including mainstream experience sessions. We work closely with families and other agencies in supporting pupils’ needs and making school successful

Orange class – our KS1 class (ASC)

We are a class of maximum eight children. Our specialist trained staff work towards providing the kind of stimulating learning environment that promotes key independence, social and communication skills. We provide activities that encourage children to investigate, explore and learn through first hand experiences. Reception children are assessed through the Foundation Stage Profile.

Providing for success

The children follow a whole class visual timetable that helps them follow their daily school routine. This is important because children thrive in a class with good structure – as well as the clear boundaries and consistent handling that staff put in place.

We implement the TEACCH method of teaching through one-to-one sessions. Our class is well resourced, including a sensory light room that offers the chance for ‘time-out’, relaxation and interactive play-centred sessions.

Our class works very closely with the Speech and Language Therapist that works in school every week. Together, we share information on students, planning and putting into place the strategies to meet their individual targets – in class as well as SALT sessions. Children have access to other areas within the school, like the hall for PE, music and

7 cooking rooms and our library. Close contact with parents is kept through home-school books and regular staff-to-parent contact.

Green class – our KS2 class

Green class is our Key Stage 2 provision for pupils with a diagnosis of ASC. It is a small group of up to 8 pupils with a higher staff ratio than in the main part of the school Green class is purpose built and has its own ‘quiet room’ – a much needed neutral space for students to use to recover from agitation, conflict or just for chilling out in. The pupils are given opportunities to mix with the other primary pupils and attend assemblies, playtimes, lunchtimes and special events, such as concerts, days out or sports days. They also integrate in a variety of lessons depending on their needs, abilities and interests. We place a great emphasis on integration. It smoothes transfer to the secondary department by making sure students are well equipped to deal with the comings and goings of the secondary timetable. It also widens the students’ social contact and experience in a controlled and successful way.

ASC in Secondary

In the secondary department Diamond class provides additional support to children with an Autistic Spectrum condition who require a more specific approach to learning.

Successful teaching approaches With higher staff numbers in our classes we can offer small group and 1:1 opportunities linked not only to the curriculum but also to social skills and language development. The students’ classrooms are highly structured environments. This helps them focus on the task they are doing and generalise the skills they are developing. The classroom is carefully thought about to reduce the anxiety that ASC students can often feel. We approach change in the ASC department thoughtfully and give the students appropriate warnings of change in their daily timetables. Equally, we prepare them for larger changes – such as the transition to a new class or bigger transitions like starting college. We arrange and support work experience and explore options at the end of Key Stage 4 including college placement.

8 Within Diamond class, the students follow appropriate curriculum for their age and ability.

Curriculum

Parents and Carers are provided with a curriculum map at the beginning of each term so they will be equipped to answer questions at home and also may wish to supplement their child’s education with extra experiences.

We provide all pupils with a curriculum that is  Balanced and broadly based  Prepares pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of real life  Promotes the pupils’ spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development

Pupils follow the National Curriculum at their own level which maybe outside their chronological Key Stage or Year.

Assessment

All pupils in school are assessed on a regular basis. Assessment takes place informally by teachers and teaching assistants during every lesson so that questions and work can be tailored to meet the individual needs of pupils. Pupils are assessed in reading accuracy and comprehension, spelling and maths twice a year using standardised tests; pupil’s progress is checked over time. We also moderate work in maths, English and science every term and these National Curriculum levels are entered into a school data base. Individual pupils have targets in subjects that allow them to know where they are and where they are aiming for and what they have to do to get there. This is done in a child friendly way.

9 English English is a vital part of the curriculum at Downs Park School. The skills learned in speaking and listening, reading and writing are essential to all other areas of a pupil’s school life. Therefore an emphasis is placed on raising all pupils’ levels of literacy, both within the class and in small group and individual lessons. This subject works closely with the Speech and Language service to include an individual’s targets. Within Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils are class taught and the subject is included within the themed topic work. Pupils access the library regularly and read books by well known children’s authors as class readers. Group work and setting ensures that pupils’ learning is aimed at their level and they are stretched according to their abilities. In Key Stage 4 all pupils are entered for public examinations and follow an Entry Level English course which extends their learning of literature but also addresses their functional English needs. Pupils read and write poetry, read and perform Shakespeare, give presentations on topical issues and enjoy a rich variety of classic and modern stories from England and the USA.

Maths Learning about numbers is a very useful life skill! We follow the National Curriculum and study number, shape, space and measures, data handling and using and applying what we know in different situations. We try to make the subject as practical as possible and link the work we are doing to relevant everyday situations.

Science Learning about science is a very useful way of helping our students to find out about how many things happen in every day life. As with many subjects, we follow the National Curriculum. All students learn about a range of topics included in Physics, Chemistry and Biology and further more, where it is possible, the teaching is linked to the students’ social education.

10 There is an increasing emphasis on the use of experimental science. This more practical approach leads our students to develop their practical skills, making observations and interpreting results.

ICT (Information Communication Technology) ICT is an integral part of the teaching and learning at Downs Park. During their time at the school pupils will become acquainted with a broad range of hardware and software. As part of the preparation for the world of work, all our students learn about ICT. This involves using and communicating digital information so that our students can use the power of computers, the Internet and other high-speed communications essential to modern life. The school endeavours to provide every pupil with the opportunity to leave school with a qualification in ICT. The school has a network with computers in almost every room, as well as a dedicated ICT classroom where most lessons take place. All children have access to the network and all secondary students have their own password. For our students, ICT is a helpful, as well as very popular, tool. For many, as they learn to use the Internet and e-mail, they apply their skills at home by accessing websites that help with homework. They can also increase the range of friends and social contacts through e-mailing, while at the same time practising their writing skills. We believe that all pupils need to be taught about being safe when using all forms of electronic messaging, the internet and mobile phones. This is incorporated into ICT lessons.

Physical Education At Downs Park, regardless of academic ability, we believe that all pupils should have an opportunity to access a wide range of physical activities. Whilst PE is an integral part of any curriculum, for our pupils at Downs Park it has a vital role to play in the development of the whole child. PE provides a unique opportunity to improve an individual’s sense of self-esteem, develop skills to work as part of a team and to encourage a sense of fair play. Pupils are encouraged to have respect for rules and to develop a life long interest in maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle. We are fortunate to have excellent links with facilities in the local community. All students have the opportunity to swim at the King Alfred

11 leisure centre in Hove, use the sports hall at Portslade Community College and use specialist equipment at Brighton and Hove Gymnastic Club.

Drama At Downs Park, drama is a key element of the curriculum; promoting self- confidence and encouraging social co-operation and creativity. Drama also enhances language development. Its collaborative nature provides opportunities for students to develop the skills of communication, negotiation, compromise and self-assertion. Much of the work links into the English curriculum, supporting the speaking and listening element of the national curriculum. Pupils develop a range of skills including: creating still images, talking in role and evaluating presentations. We aim to build their confidence gradually, in an atmosphere of trust, allowing students to explore the world in a safe and protected environment.

Art Art is a vital part of our pupil’s education at Downs Park and is taught from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4. In Key Stage 4 an Entry Level exam course is offered as an option. Pupils across the school have the opportunity to develop skills creatively in drawing, painting, sculpture, animation, ceramics, screen printing and textiles.

Design Technology DT and Food Technology are essential life skills. Pupils develop these skills from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4. In DT pupils learn about design, function, construction, tools and equipment. In Food Technology pupils develop new skills and gain confidence with food, learning about nutrition and health and safety. At Key Stage 4 pupils are offered a BTEC Level 1 Jamie Oliver Home Cooking Skills course.

French

12 Pupils at Downs Park learn French which helps them become familiar with a different European culture as well as the skills and confidence to use ‘survival French’ on a family holiday. French is taught by a specialist teacher who is supported by a native speaker. Lessons are made fun by the use of role-play and teacher-led games. We focus on listening and understanding and speaking French in a range of practical situations.

Religious Education At Downs Park we view Religious Education as an important part of pupil’s development. Religious Education is delivered in accordance with the locally agreed syllabus, incorporating attainment targets and statements agreed locally by the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE).

The School has no particular affiliation with any particular religion or religious denomination. However the school’s ethos, values and rules may be described as Christian based.

We respect the right of parents to request that their child be withdrawn from Religious Education and Acts of Collective Worship if they so choose. Parents should put such a request in writing to the Headteacher.

PSHE and Citizenship We promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of all pupils to prepare them for the opportunities and experiences of adult life. Our aim is for all pupils to be prepared to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives. Our programme of study includes personal care and life skills, sex and relationship education and disability awareness.

Humanities Humanities at Downs Park is taught in a cross curricula, topic way. Class teachers teach this to their classes under the guise of a topic. Topics covered last year included World War II, Travel Around the World and The Power of the Sun. Topics are chosen to fit in with things that are happening

13 in the world or the date of historical significance. The topics involve looking at artefacts, watching DVDs, doing research, going on trips and we try to have ‘an event’ at the end of each topic. So far we have planned a VE party, a trip round the world without leaving Downs Park and a Carnival. Pupils work in scrap books that allow for different methods of recording.

Visiting Professionals

Speech Therapy We have the equivalent of two and a half days of Speech Therapist input a week. The therapists are employed by the NHS Local Primary Care Trust. They see some pupils individually and liaise closely with class teachers so that Speech and Language is embedded into the curriculum.

Other regular visitors to school

The school nurse Peripatetic music teachers Youth Employability Service (formerly Connexions) Local Authority casework officers Educational Welfare Officer Sensory Needs Support Staff Occupational Therapist Brighton and Hove Football Club

The school day

Arrival at school 8.45 to 9.00 Registration 9.00 Morning session (including a 15 9.05 to 12.00 minute break and assembly) Lunch break (including time for 12.00 to lunch and time for play) 12.45 Registration 12.45 Afternoon session 12.50 to 3.00

14 Snacks and Lunches

We are a healthy school and strive to promote healthy eating. Pupils may bring in a healthy snack to eat at morning break.

School dinners are cooked on site. Pupils sit with their friends in the hall in two sittings, Lower School first then Upper School. Special diets can be catered for. Some pupils bring in packed lunches from home, these are also eaten in the hall.

We have pupils on site who have nut allergies so we have a ‘no nut’ policy in school and ask Parents/Carers to strictly adhere to this when providing food for their children to bring into school.

After school club

Pupils at Downs Park can join the after school club at Hillside School which is run by Extra Time. Staff from Extra Time come to Downs Park at the end of the day to collect pupils and walk them down the hill to Hillside.

Residentials

We organise a three day, 2 night trip to the PGL centre at Windmill Hill in East Sussex for our Year 8 and Year 9 pupils. We stay in cabins and experience a range of physical activities such as swimming, canoeing, the zip wire, archery and the challenge trail.

Individual Education Plans and Curriculum Targets

15 All pupils in the ASC classes and those in Gold class have IEP’s set twice a year. These plans include curriculum and social targets. Years 7 to 11 are set targets in Maths and English, also twice a year and any pupils that have needs above and beyond the rest of the class also have an IEP.

Every child has an Annual Review (AR) each year where annual targets are set and the previous one is reviewed. Parents/Carers are invited to attend these meetings where any other issues can be discussed. Pupils are invited to attend part of their Annual Review to hear how well they have done and what challenges they are being set for the next year. This is also the time when pupils can offer up their own ideas for what they see themselves doing when they leave Downs Park. Other professionals are also invited if appropriate.

In July every child has a full school report detailing progress over the year.

School Uniform

At Downs Park we do not enforce a strict code for uniform but expect children to be dressed in a neat and practical way which uses the school colour of royal blue. Jeans and sports clothes are not acceptable, jogging trousers are suitable for younger primary pupils.

Girls wear grey or black trousers or skirt together with white blouse or polo shirt, and royal blue fleece or jumper.

Boys wear grey or black trousers with a white shirt, and a royal blue fleece or jumper.

We sell school royal blue sweatshirts (£8.50 to 12.50, depending on size) and royal blue school fleeces (£13 to 15.50, depending on size)

Year 11 pupils are allowed to wear non-school uniform but are encouraged to be smart. Smart jeans are allowed but no sports clothes,

For PE, swimming and games lessons, children may need: Plimsolls/indoor trainers

16 Plain T-shirt PE shorts or skirt (for girls who choose) Swimming costume/trunks/shorts Towel

For those who choose football: Football boots and shin pads (for safety reasons)

Apart from the school’s fleece and sweatshirt, items obtainable in multiple and chain stores are acceptable. Please mark clearly all clothing with your child’s name.

Upper school pupils who attend College Links, Vocational Experience or similar visits should be suitably attired for their place of employment.

There are occasionally other activities, which require particular clothing when you and your child will be advised.

Certain footwear such as high heeled shoes should not be worn for health and safety reasons. Jewellery should not be worn, but stud earrings and watches are permitted. Dangling earrings, bracelets and necklaces should not be worn again for health and safety reasons.

Parental Involvement

Parents are welcome to come to school at any time but it is advisable to make an appointment as teachers cannot leave their classes.

Regular home/school links include: Half-termly news letters Home school books (for some pupils) Homework diaries (for older pupils) Letters Text messages Two parent consultation evenings, one in October and one in July Concerts

17 Medical Issues

We have 3 First Aiders on site and 13 Appointed Persons, all are trained and have passed the relevant qualifications. Some pupils have medication that needs to be taken at lunchtime. This can be given by the school only if the relevant forms (available from the school office) have been filled in and returned to the school.

Complaints Procedures

From time to time parents, and others connected with the school, will become aware of matters that cause them concern. To encourage resolution in such situations the Governing Body has adopted a Schools’ Complaints Procedure. The procedure is devised with the intention that it will:  Usually be possible to resolve problems by informal means  Be simple to use and understand  Be non-adversarial  Provide confidentiality  Allow problems to be handled swiftly  Address all the agreed points at issue  Inform future practise so that the problem is unlikely to recur Full details of the procedure may be obtained from the School Office and is available to download from the school’s VLE

Charging Policy

Trips during the school day We ask parents/carers for a voluntary contribution for school trips but include all pupils in the arrangements as a matter or course. We do not

18 deny access to a school trip through inability to pay. However a trip may be cancelled if insufficient voluntary contributions are received.

Residential trips Parents/carers are asked to cover the cost of board and lodgings. We do

Governors not deny access to a school residential trip through inability to pay.

Downs Park is a member of the CDP Federation; there will be one over arching Governing Body consisting of parent, staff, Local Authority and Community Governors. Please see sheet at the end for the names of the Governors.

19 Current staff list Executive Headteacher Kim Bolton Headteacher Jacqueline Brooks Assistant Headteacher Clare Langhorne Assistant Headteacher Vanessa Hickey Head of Lower School (Yrs 3-9) Linda Williams Head of Upper School (Yrs 10&11) Hazel Hempenstall Head of ASC Vanessa Hickey ASC Provision Orange Class R-Y2 Anne Pearch Green Class Yrs 3- 6 Vanessa Hickey/Maxine Bish Diamond Class Yrs 7-11 Chris McCarron Lower School Gold Class (Primary) Jan Browning Year 7 John Hough/Linda Williams/ Sophie Stewart Year 8/9 Jacqueline Brooks/ Sally Lightburn- Jones/ John Coleman Upper School Year 10 Hazel Hempenstall Year 11 Helen Turner Curricular responsibility Maths Jacqueline Brooks English Helen Turner DT Sally Lightburn-Jones RE John Coleman PSHE/Citizenship Jan Browning Modern foreign languages Lynn Young Art Helen Turner Drama Sophie Stewart Music Chris Florides Science Matthew Hurley Humanities Linda Williams P.E Hazel Hempenstall

20 Support Staff Barbara Ayliffe Rosmarie Laing Tracy Carter Fiona Barrett Carol Clark Celia Marshall Chris Florides Christine Mihocic Sandy Gratwicke Geraldine Nicky Gravett Passingham Richard Hall Hilary Sayers Matthew Hurley Karen Stone Kate Johnson Emma Allen Jacob Jowitt Sarah Turner Adrian Ventura Bettina Wakeham Other Staff Finance and Admin Manager Jill Goldsmith Secretaries Lynne Thibaut, Kate Evans, Lisa Elbourne, Site Manager Keith Verrall Mid Day Supervisors Dagmar Armour, Nicole Gravett Cleaning Provided by NVIRO Autistic Spectrum Condition Anne Robson (Head of Service) Support Service Sheila Graves, Alex Macdonald, Mary MacPhail, Gus Munro, Lisa Elbourne West Blatchington site Alison Dobell, Verity Hinks, Alison Butler, Clare Hills, Kirsty Moody, Jean Hinks

21 The Governing Body

The membership of the Governing Body changes from time to time. The current members are: Local Authority Representatives Community Governors Diana Freestone Jenny Barrett Ann Gilham Colin Lawlor Ron Guilford Mark Scott Sue Moorman Tony Catt Parent Governors Staff Governors Karen Baldwin Kim Bolton (Executive David Keegan Headteacher) Nicole Beanland Vacancy Sophie Gove Vacancy Vacancy Clerk to the Governors Patrick Bond

Support Teresa Carter

22 School term dates 2011/12

Autumn term 2011 School INSET day Friday 2 September Term starts Monday 5 September School INSET day Friday 21 October Half term Monday 24 October to Friday 28 October School open to pupils Monday 31 October Term ends Friday 16 December

Spring term 2012 Bank Holiday Monday 2 January Term starts Tuesday 3 January Half term Monday 13 February to Friday 17 February School INSET days Monday 20 February Tuesday 21 February School open to pupils Wednesday 22 February Term ends Friday 30 March

Summer term 2012 School INSET day Monday 16 April Term starts Tuesday 17 April School closed (used as Thursday 3 May Polling Station) Bank Holiday Monday 7 May Half term Monday 4 June to Friday 8 June School open to pupils Monday 11 June Term ends Friday 20 July

23 Attendance 2010 - 2011

Group Authorised Absence Unauthorised Absence Attendance Whole School 7.2% 1.4% 90.5%

End of Key Stage Cumulative Scores – KS1

W 1 2 2C 2B 2A 3 or above Speaking & Listening 100% Reading 50% 50% Writing 100% Maths 50% 50% Science 50% 50%

W 1 2 3 4 5 6 English 43% 57% Maths 71% 29% Science 29% 14% 43% 14%

W 1 2 3 4 5 6 English 14% 86% Maths 29% 71% Science 57% 43%