Freyburg School

Prospectus 2019 • 2020

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Education and Skills

At Freyburg School we value each individual for who they are.

We aim to meet the educational needs and aspirations of all our pupils through a bespoke education.

Pupils are encouraged to take an active part in their own learning.

We promote an understanding that everyone has the opportunity to flourish and we encourage independent thought and investigation.

Our pupils are nurtured through respect, tolerance, honesty and inclusion.

Freyburg School promotes the fundamental British values of Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty and Mutual Respect and Tolerance.

Freyburg School provides a safe, nurturing, empowering environment for all pupils.

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Values and Beliefs

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Freyburg School. The school is a small specialist provision that caters for pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties aged 11-18yrs, who need a smaller, more structured educational placement in order to develop their true potential.

Freyburg School is situated on two sites in rural Nottinghamshire, providing specialist on-site education to young people in two of our Residential Services – The Poppies and Holly Lodge.

Freyburg School (The Poppies) is placed in a rural setting in North Nottinghamshire, nestling between the market towns of Retford and Worksop. The rural setting boasts a canal and wooded area, which are within walking

distance. The school is located within the children’s home and consists of a spacious classroom and an outdoor area.

Freyburg School (Holly Lodge) is situated at the edge of woodland, close to the National Trust owned Clumber Park. The world famous Sherwood Forest is also nearby.

Both schools provide education for up to 4 young people accommodated in each of the associated homes as well as up to 4 day pupils and offer excellent provisions for outdoor activities.

Ann Marie EdwardsHeadteacher

Welcome to Freyburg School

Where possible, pupils are encouraged to work alongside others and co-operatively in pairs and small groups, as the development of social skills and independent work strategies are vital.

To positively motivate, support and challenge all our pupils.

Our mission...

Freyburg School has a bright, inviting atmosphere with classrooms equipped with modern furniture, informative displays and displays of pupils’ work. Each school site has areas for formal learning, art, practical activities and cooking, as well as a “chill out” area complete with tv/dvd and comfy sofas.

The young people are encouraged to take an active role in contributing to and putting up

displays which helps foster a pride in both their own work and in the appearance of their school. Class sizes are small and many pupils receive a 1:1 education, where appropriate, in response to their needs.

Where possible, pupils are encouraged to work alongside others and co-operatively in pairs and small groups, as the development of social skills and independent work strategies are vital.

Pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties are not “naughty children” but are pupils who struggle to fit within the conventional structures of school. Their behaviour has often led to them being rejected at school and isolated from their peer group, yet they are often the children who need to be listened to the most carefully.

The philosophy of Freyburg School reflects the view that these children are often confused and angry - with themselves and their world. Their behaviours are not viewed as having to do with manipulation and power but rather as a form of self-protection.

Many of the children who come to Freyburg School have been diagnosed with conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia/Dyspraxia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

As a result of conditions such as these and other emotional and behavioural difficulties, they have experienced significant difficulties in mainstream schools. They have begun to associate school with feelings of fear,

frustration and failure. Some have already given up trying to learn.

At Freyburg School, our first and primary approach to children with emotional and behavioural difficulties is to address their feelings about themselves. The raising of self-esteem is a pre-requisite to any changes in behaviour and only then will any progress in learning be possible.

We aim to ensure that the children and young people who attend Freyburg School are given an holistic education that will provide them with learning opportunities, which target their specific individual education needs. This will help them identify and focus on their academic, personal and social successes and will teach them how to conduct themselves so that they may relate to others in a socially acceptable way.

Our challenge is to help these children and young people to achieve their academic and personal potential and hence to help equip them with the skills they need to enjoy a full, well integrated and satisfying life.

Statement of Purpose

The philosophy of Freyburg School reflects the view that these children are often confused and angry - with themselves and their world.

We aim to encourage personal responsibility, respect, co-operation and sensitivity to the needs of others.

Our aims

1. To provide a safe, secure, positive and supportive environment in which each individual can contribute and feel valued, knowing that his/her achievements are recognised.

2. To encourage personal responsibility, respect, co-operation and sensitivity to the needs of others.

3. To awaken a thirst for knowledge and understanding and to develop the skills with which to acquire and use that knowledge and understanding.

4. To support pupils in developing effective Literacy and Numeracy skills.

5. To deliver all the requirements of the National Curriculum to meet pupils’ individual needs.

6. To support pupils in acquiring the knowledge, skills and understanding relevant to adult life and employment/further education.

Sound academic progress and achievement is considered to be of great importance at Freyburg School. The school seeks to re- establish the concept of learning as a positive and enjoyable experience.

Our approach is to concentrate upon helping young people to manage their behaviours to a level that enables them to become receptive to offered learning. We aim to introduce pupils to a wide range of knowledge, skills and experience, but approach this by working primarily to the young person’s strengths so that lateral stretching, as well as progression can be made.

The Curriculum aims to provide a broad base of learning to ensure that each child, as far as possible up to KS3, takes part in the full National Curriculum and Religious Education, which is differentiated to meet individual needs. At KS4, it is possible to involve pupils in more individualised learning programmes, where there will be opportunities to develop their aspirations through vocational learning opportunities. The Curriculum emphasises the need to acquire functional skills, especially in literacy and numeracy. Maths and English Schemes of work are carefully planned to ensure full coverage or cross referencing to the National Curriculum at a level appropriate to the pupil’s ability.

The School

The Curriculum

The school aims to introduce the pupils to a wide range of knowledge, skills and experiences. This include linguistics, literary, mathematics, science, technology, as well as moral, physical, aesthetic, creative and social skills.

The school has clear, positive expectations for behaviour and well-established and successful positive reinforcement strategies that are reviewed regularly. Every child has individual education targets relating to both academic and behavioural achievements that are reviewed regularly to ensure positive progress is being made.

Freyburg School fundamentally operates within two main principles:

• All children, without exception, are to be valued as unique and special members of society.

• All children can succeed and should be encouraged to ever-greater appropriate challenges in all areas of achievement.

In order to meet the diverse needs of the children at Freyburg School we endeavour to maintain the high staff to pupil ratio. The school is registered for 12 pupils and is currently staffed by a Head Teacher and two Tutors.

The children are encouraged to work in a variety of settings: individually, co-operatively in pairs and in small groups, as we believe the

development of social skills and independent work strategies are vital.

Class sizes are therefore small and are structured in a way that enables Individual Education Plans to be implemented. The plans ensure that each pupil works through a differentiated National Curriculum programme of study appropriate to their ability and Key Stage.

We can also offer the opportunity for all pupils who are working at that level to achieve nationally recognised accreditation in English, Maths, Science and Art/Design Technology. This runs alongside our opportunities for learning through AQA Unit Awards.

Effective use has been made of local facilities such as Doncaster Dome Leisure Centre, X-Scape, Clumber Park and local colleges such as North Notts College in Worksop, and Vision West Notts College, Rotherham College and Doncaster College to ensure a high quality, varied and challenging curriculum is available to pupils.

We also use other alternative learning providers where pupils can explore vocational options such as REAL Education and Enhancement Training, where pupils can discover their personal strengths, enjoy and achieve.

We aim to introduce pupils to a wide range of knowledge, skills and experience, but approach this by working primarily to the young person’s strengths so that lateral stretching, as well as progression can be made.

In addition to this, pupils are also able to access an Outdoor Pursuits/P.E. programme which includes swimming, football, cycling,

ice-skating and hiking. Planning in all subject areas follows the guidelines issued in the National Curriculum programmes of study.

Examination successes 2016-2018

100% of pupils entered for Functional Skills exams passed the exam.

One Y11 pupil sat GCSE exams and passed Maths (Higher Level).

Results 2019

One Y11 pupil sat Level 1 Functional Skills Maths and English, passing both.

Qualifications and Examinations

English Linguistics Religious Education

Maths Science PHSE

Humanities Physical Education Citizenship

Design Technology Art and Craft Food Technology

Information Technology Music Work Related Learning

The Curriculum can include:

Individual education and behaviour plans

Work is carefully differentiated in order to meet the individual needs of children and regular assessment ensures continuity and progression. Learning tasks are designed to be behavioural and delivered where possible through a topic based approach which aims to demonstrate the inter-relatedness of knowledge. Each young person has individually tailored positive expectations for achievement.

This ensures they are challenged appropriately and experience success frequently.

Term targets for literacy and numeracy skills are set and progress assessed carefully and frequently. The remediation of learning difficulties, whatever the cause, is facilitated by a supportive educational programme and intensive individual help.

Identity/cultural diversity

Cultural and Religious EducationCultural and Religious Education is included in the curriculum and is based on the Local Authority agreed syllabus, supplemented with other relevant material. Through reflection on spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues, pupils are given opportunities to gain knowledge of the diverse religions and cultures practised worldwide. We aim to help provide an understanding and respect for human diversity and to help breakdown prejudice.

All children have daily opportunities for reflection to develop their self-knowledge, self-confidence and self-esteem and reach into their spiritual senses. The children are encouraged to develop British values, show respect to and tolerance of others, to accept responsibility for their behaviour and improve social and friendship skills.

Parents/guardians have a right to withdraw their child’s religious instruction and any wishing to do so should discuss the matter with the Head Teacher.

Provision for Children for whom English is an Alternative LanguagePupils for whom English is a second or alternative language will be treated with respect and care. A supportive education programme will be provided and advice sought as appropriate.

The Keys Group has a strong commitment to value a child’s cultural and religious heritage. A child’s individuality in respect of their age, race and gender is recognised and valued.

Careers guidance/further education

All pupils have access to careers advice and guidance on a regular basis. This is provided through links with Vision West Notts College.

Visits to local businesses can be organised and young people are encouraged to become involved in work experience programmes.

Provision for Pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (E.H.C.P.)

Our objectives and principles in making provision for children with special educational needs are as follows: • Each child is given a broad based and

relevant curriculum.• The special needs of each child, as identified

in their S.E.N. Statement or EHCP are addressed and statutory S.E.N. Statements or EHCP Reviews are held regularly and completed in a thorough manner.

• A behaviour management programme is in place and is continually reviewed; staff training in the management of children/ young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties (S.E.M.H.) is a team approach. Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Therapists, Residential Carers, Social Workers and other professionals are all involved in monitoring pupil progress using individual education and behaviour plans.

Safeguarding

Freyburg School (as part of The Keys Group) has a comprehensive child protection policy and will take any reasonable steps to ensure the safety of its pupils. In cases where the school has reason to be concerned that a child may be subject to ill treatment, neglect or other forms of abuse, staff will follow the

Local Authority Child Protection /Safeguarding procedures and inform both Keys Group Company Directors and Social Services of the concern.

The Child Protection policy is kept on school premises at all times and is available to anyone to see.

Anti-bullying policy

Freyburg School is totally opposed to bullying in any form and it will not be tolerated at any level.

We are committed to providing a caring and safe environment for all pupils/pupils where they can develop both academically and as an individual.

A comprehensive anti-bullying policy operates within the school along with a set of procedures to identify and deal with any incidents quickly and effectively.

If you have any concerns regarding bullying or wish to discuss this area further, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Health and safety

Freyburg School (as part of The Keys Group) has comprehensive health and safety policies and procedures. The Policy/Procedures file is kept on school premises and is available to anyone at all times.

For off-site Activities, all events are thoroughly risk assessed in line with the DfE guidelines and best practice recommended by the Local Authority for Safeguarding of Children.

Parental permissions will be required, and parents’/carers’ wishes in this respect will be reviewed regularly.

Parents and carers can obtain copies of our policies, procedures and risk assessments for off-site activities on request.

Complaints procedure

It is important to a child or young person’s sense of security and personal confidence that they have a means of “being heard”, in the event of having a complaint. For this purpose, we ensure every child/young person is made aware of the suggestions and complaints procedure and will assist and support them in the event that they feel the need to use it. [The policy is held in school]

They can share their complaint with their Class Teacher or the Head Teacher. If they are still unhappy they can telephone (01706 227226) and speak to Nicola Kelly (Education Director) who will arrange to see them. If they feel they cannot talk to any of these people, then they can telephone NYAS (0808 808 1001) or Childline (0800 1111).

These calls are free and confidential. The Keys Group also have a visiting advocacy service to all their children’s homes provided by NYAS on a monthly basis.

Parents, carers or representatives from the Local Education Authority (L.E.A.) or Social Services Department (S.S.D.) who are concerned about the quality of education offered at Freyburg School should contact the school’s management immediately. Any complaint will be given prompt, serious consideration.

0 complaints were received during the academic year 2018 to 2019.

Philosophy and expectations

Policy and practice at Freyburg School reflects the belief that disruptive and challenging behaviour has underlying causes and effects. Young people with low self-esteem cannot tolerate anything that increases their negative feelings about themselves and therefore try to reduce the chances of being hurt any more. They often refuse to recognise their own achievements, resent other people’s successes, can delight in irritating/upsetting others, reject praise, humiliate others or refuse to respond to those around them at all.

A particularly destructive characteristic of children or young people with low self-esteem is that by shutting off from the negative, these children also shut off from the positive. They cannot feel ‘good feelings’. They struggle to hear praise or receive ‘good’ information.

Our challenge is to reach beyond the child’s defensive shell and help the child believe that teachers are really there for him/her and that they can trust their teachers. The foundation of our work concerns establishing positive relationships based on mutual respect.

We prefer to talk about behaviour being consequential rather than of sanctions.

Sanctions are used sparingly and after all other alternatives have been considered. Discussion will take place with a senior member of the team before a decision is taken regarding an appropriate sanction. Sanctions usually involve some form of reparation (tidying, cleaning and helping) but sometimes may involve the loss of a privilege or a restriction in a particular activity for a defined period of time (eg.5 minutes less break time).

Should a young person’s behaviour escalate to a point that they are likely to cause harm to themselves, other people or cause serious damage to property, then physical intervention will be used. Pupils are always given the opportunity to reflect on the incident and talk through it with a member of staff. The form and method which this takes is clearly identified in the Keys Group’s Physical Intervention Policy.

All staff are fully trained in the Keys Group method of physical intervention. Placing authorities are informed of our physical intervention policy. Any incident requiring physical intervention is recorded in detail, with access to relevant parties made fully available.

Exclusions

We acknowledge that the children placed at Freyburg have had previous negative educational and social experiences and as such will present challenging behaviours.

It is our aim therefore to provide a quality education for even the most challenging pupils. Permanent exclusion from education is not an alternative.

However, if a child’s placement in school is seriously preventing the effective education of other pupils or the child is presenting a significant risk to themselves or others within the school, additional support may be sought or an alternative education package may be provided.

Any Education Intervention Plan will be reviewed regularly and steps required to reintegrate the pupil back into normal school provision will be clearly defined.

Where pupils arrive at Freyburg having been permanently excluded from a State School, then in the event of an intervention within Freyburg, the progress of the child’s education continues. This is in recognition of the young person’s rights, and accounts for any period of discontinuity under current law and guidance as having already been spent.

Behaviour management programme

Freyburg School seeks to create an environment which encourages and reinforces positive behaviour; recognising this as necessary for effective learning to take place.

The purpose of this Positive Behaviour Policy is to ensure that Freyburg School has a consistent approach to rewarding good behaviour and achievement, and challenging inappropriate behaviour. Good behaviour is most effectively achieved when there are clear expectations of student conduct.

Students bring with them a wide variety of behaviour patterns and at Freyburg School the aim is to work within standards of behaviour based on the basic values of honesty, respect for self, others, authority and property, responsibility and consideration. The intention of applying rewards and sanctions is to demonstrate to students that their behaviour and actions have consequences.

The full Behaviour Policy will be given to the parent/carer during the induction meeting and is available at any time by request.

Documentation

Staff at the school are always ready and willing to deal with queries. The school has a comprehensive range of policies and procedures that guide how the school is

structured and the curriculum presented.Freyburg School’s Policies and Procedures can be made available on request.

Admissions

Admissions Criteria:Pupils admitted to the school will either be unable to maintain a place in a mainstream school or be thought to be able to benefit from a stable period in a small supportive school environment. The child/young person will be considered to have Special Educational Needs (S.E.N.), moderate learning difficulties (M.L.D) or S.E.M.H. and be between the ages of 11 and 16 years.

Admissions Procedures:When a placement is requested, a copy of the child/young person’s Statutory Statement of S.E.N or E.H.C.P and/or other relevant documents, such as Personal Education Plans (P.E.P.s), previous school reports, Individual Education Plans (I.E.P.s) etc., will need to be provided. This is in order to ascertain the suitability of the placement and to set up an education programme appropriate to the child/young person’s needs. A planning meeting will then be held to determine if the placement is appropriate to the child’s needs.

Fees• The academic year is 39 weeks divided into 3

terms.• Fees will be charged on a weekly rate for 39

weeks of the year and will be invoiced on a monthly basis for residential pupils, one month in advance.

• Should a child/young person leave without prior written notice or not as a result of a review, then 28 days fees will be required in lieu.

Notice to leave the school must be in writing and the 28 days will be charged from the date of the letter of notice.

Visiting the SchoolFreyburg School is happy to welcome visitors and anyone interested in placing a child at Freyburg is encouraged to make an appointment to visit the school.

Representatives from the L.E.A. and Social Services Department (S.S.D) are also encouraged to visit.

Education and Skills

Inspiring and supporting young people to live happy, healthy and successful lives.

www.keys-group.co.uk

What are the start and finish times? The school is open to pupils from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

What arrangements have been made for the lunch break? Pupils return home if they live on site or bring a packed lunch if they are day pupils.

How will I know what progress my child is making? Regular progress updates reports. We operate an open door policy, allowing parents and carers full access to their child’s school work at any time.

Who should absence be reported to? The head teacher on 07921 605 716, as soon as possible on the day of absence.

How will my child’s attendance be monitored?Data on each child’s percentage attendance, authorised absence and unauthorised absence is collected each week.

Do pupils have to wear a uniform? No, pupils are expected to wear smart casual clothes appropriate for a school environment.

General Information

School term dates 2019 - 2020

Term Term StartHalf Term Finish

Half Term re-open

Term Finish

Autumn Term 2019

Monday 2nd September

Friday 18th October

Monday 4th November

Friday20th December

Spring Term 2020

Monday 6th January

Friday14th February

Monday24th February

Friday 3rd April

Summer Term 2020

Monday 20th April

Friday22nd May

Monday 1st June

Friday 24th July

INSET Days

• Wednesday 13th November 2019

• Good Friday - 10th April 2020• Easter Monday - 13th April 2020• May Day - Friday 8th May 2020

Freyburg School Holly LodgeCarburton Worksop NottinghamshireS80 3BP

t: 01909 506 880e: annmarieedwards@keys-group.co.uk

Head Teacher:Ann Marie Edwards 07921 605 716

Chief Executive:Patricia Lee 0121 728 7800

Chair of Governors:Mrs Nicola Kelly 0121 728 7800

Keys GroupMaybrook HouseSecond FloorQueenswayHalesowenWest MidlandsB63 4AHgroup

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Keys Educational Services Limited is a private limited company registered in England.

Company number: 03768095

Registered office: Keys Group, Maybrook House, 2nd Floor, Queensway, Halesowen, B63 4AH

t: 0121 728 7800e: info@keys-group.co.uk

Proprietor: Keys Group

Proprietor Representative: Nicola Kelly

DfE No: 891/6022