Smallbrook School
Special needs catered for
Smallbrook School is a Specialist School catering for pupils aged seven to eighteen who have Special Educational Needs (SEN), more specifically Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH)
Specialist facilities
At Smallbrook School the staff to student ratio is high in order to meet the complex needs of our students. Group sizes range from 2 to 4, but in some cases we cater for 1-1 specialist delivery.
Smallbrook School prides itself in providing recognised qualifications of all levels in line with the national curriculum and ranging from pre-entry-level to GCSE. Each course is tailored to the specific needs and ability of each student and meets the requirements of those students who join the school with an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Smallbrook School recognises the importance of equipping students in its care with vocational training. Through Key Stages 2 and 3 students are timetabled for practical subjects in a rotating program so that they gain an insight into the vocational subjects offered at Key Stages 4 and 5. In year 9 and above we offer vocational subjects leading to nationally recognised qualifications in a range of areas including Vehicle Maintenance, Construction, Hospitality & Catering, BTEC Sport and Hair & Beauty. We also offer some practical based GCSEs.
Where appropriate students at Smallbrook School are also able to take advantage of our Forest School program and outdoor pursuits curriculum. As a result, where appropriate, students are offered an outdoor education programme delivered by a qualified outdoor pursuits trainer which will allow them to experience activities such as gorge walking, hiking, swimming, skiing, climbing, canoeing and kayaking in a safe and well managed environment.
Any students or staff with mobility and or disability have access arrangements including wheelchair access to the whole site.
Support services provided
The SENCo acts as the designated key teacher. They are the first point of contact for any external agencies involved with a student and work closely with the student and their care staff/managers in order to keep abreast of any changes in circumstances for the student, to address any issues or concerns for the student, their care team or any other involved party. Through regular PEP or LAC meetings the key teacher can also address a student’s worries or concerns or any behavioural issues that may arise. They will also ensure that the teaching team are well informed of student’s issues and needs.
Due to the School being part of Bryn Melyn Care within Outcomes First Group, we are able to have Clinical input from Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists.
Home school links
Smallbrook School recognises the importance of equipping students in its care with vocational training which will allow them to enter the workplace, gain meaningful employment and which will ultimately facilitate independent living.
Before and after selecting a vocational subject, students are offered careers guidance from experienced careers advisors and tutors to identify their pathway to employment.
Our aim in Key Stages 4 and 5 is to provide students with the prerequisite entry requirements to continue their studying to higher levels, either at a local mainstream college of further education or at Smallbrook School if they require more intensive support and are not yet ready to move on to mainstream education. Students attending Smallbrook School will also have access to a range of work experience placements in local businesses through the Enterprise Business Partnership (EBP).
Smallbrook School also has close ties with local colleges and vocational providers in specialist areas such as Equine Studies, Leadership Awards and Coaching Qualifications. For students in Key Stage 4 and 5 who can access mainstream college education, a combination of classroom learning at Smallbrook School, work experience and college based learning can provide an ideal transition.
Due to the nature of the majority of the intake into Smallbrook being in residential care we work in partnership with residential children’s homes within Bryn Melyn Care, which is part of the Outcomes First Group.
General environment
Smallbrook School is an Independent School based in Wem, Shropshire which is part of Bryn Melyn Care, within the Outcomes First Group family.
Students access Smallbrook School from Bryn Melyn Care’s homes and we also offer day placements to those placed elsewhere.
Smallbrook School delivers Independent educational provision to pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. Pupils can also continue to access a full time education at Smallbrook beyond year 11.
Aims and philosophy
Smallbrook School aims for all students to participate in a learning programme, regardless of their age, ability, gender, culture or religion, which enables them to broaden their knowledge, experience and skills. In order to meet individual learning needs Smallbrook School provides a variety of quality learning programmes and activities which are appropriate to past experiences, educational needs and levels of understanding.
School Aims
• To provide the best quality teaching and learning possible in order to meet the needs of all our students.
• To plan programmes to support all students of any ability or background to do the best they can.
• To provide a wide and diverse range of educational activities delivered by teaching staff in consultation and co-operation with the student’s care team to extend their educational experiences outside of the classroom.
• To work in close partnership with care staff and placing authorities to enable us to respond best to the needs of the students and provide a 24-hour education program.
• To raise the aspirations of our students.
Staff qualification and selection
The staff to student ratio at Smallbrook School is high in order to meet the complex needs of our students. It has a strong leadership team (including our SENCo) and a range of subject specialist teachers and learning support tutors. Included in this profile is our Physical and Outdoor Education programme. Staffing qualifications include a range of educational degrees and teacher training qualifications.
At Outcomes First Group we make a real commitment to training and developing our staff. Our training is focussed on the needs of the specific services as well as the individual employee and the company. We recognise that training, learning and developing our staff is key to delivering high quality services and to the success of our company.
Our commitment is to guarantee that all employees complete mandatory, refresher and specialist training and have the opportunity to undertake developmental training opportunities.
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