By providing a holistic, multidisciplinary assessments and intervention programmes, all designed to meet each individual’s needs. Our holistic approach to education includes integrated therapy and multi-sensory lessons which are motivating, relevant and fun. We have Small class groups. High staff/pupil ratio

Our staff work together to identify the needs and to devise and monitor joint targets. This approach gives parents, as well as other professionals, a comprehensive picture of the child which helps ensure that every child makes the best possible progress.

Each young person has an individual education plan and an individual behaviour management plan which break down the objectives of their needs into small steps so that progress can be monitored and assessed.

A bit about our Sensory Room

It is recognised that sensory equipment has an important part to play in the development of children with disabilities. Sensory areas provide an interactive environment to encourage children with profound disabilities to improve their mobility and stimulate their sensory development.

For children within the autistic spectrum, they provide a controlled environment where stimulation can be reduced to a level they find relaxing. It has a bubble tube, projector, and star carpet, toys, books and games.

Sensory rooms are designed for:

• Relaxing
• Stimulating interest
• Encouraging interaction
• Improving motor skills
• Encouraging communication
• Team working skills
• Cause and effect learning
• Assessment of skill levels and capabilities

Leisure Activities

Evenings and weekends offer residential and respite children valuable time for relaxation and opportunities for a variety of leisure experiences, both scheduled and spontaneous. Each young person is encouraged and supported to find out what they enjoy. These activities are fundamental to our work in supporting them to develop their identity and self-esteem.

Residential care staff work with the students in the evenings and on weekends promoting self-help, communication and social skills.

Living Skills

A major focus within the waking day curriculum is on developing independent living skills which are taught in a way that is meaningful and functional for the young person. In this way, they learn to acquire appropriate sleeping and toileting patterns, develop personal care routines and appropriate mealtime behavior, build the understanding and ability to shop, prepare and serve food with increasing levels of independence; undertake household chores such as using washing machines and dishwashers, sorting laundry and tidying bedrooms; learn to share and developing a sense of family and community.

Choice-making is a skill that, for many at Oak Haven needs to be taught.

All our children are encouraged to make choices in everyday situations such as what to wear, selecting leisure activities and also through the ‘choice’ option in their schedules.