The Observatory School

Why is The Observatory School a better option for my kid?
There are 50 students at The Observatory School, a special school for children with social, emotional, and mental health challenges (SEMH).
We are unique from other schools in that we offer a higher degree of support with a wider range of services all under one roof.
Our expert knowledge of "Team Teach" strategies, which de-escalate and divert from negative behaviour, is one of the main advantages we provide students with SEMH in their growth.
Additionally, a team dedicated to students' social, emotional, and mental health needs is on-site.
This essentially means that students receive assistance for their social and emotional growth throughout the school day via the curriculum and extracurricular pursuits.
Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE) is a crucial component of both our school's curriculum and culture.
Every student who enrols in our school has been identified as having social, emotional, and mental health needs and has been referred by the local authority (SEMH).
Below is a list of possible additional special educational needs that we are best suited to assist with.
Additional Special Educational Needs are common among children.
Here, we describe a few of the ailments that students may have; this is not a complete list, so get in touch if you have a specific question.
Our educational environment is being modified on a regular basis to meet the changing demands of our students.
Regardless of a child's needs, all of the equipment is usable.
Our extracurricular programmes are made so that all of our students can participate.
In November 2012, The Observatory School was rated as a good school with outstanding characteristics by OFSTED.
How will The Observatory School accommodate any special requirements my kid may have?
If your kid still requires additional help and support, we will find a different solution inside the school.
The first trips you make with your child to The Observatory School serve as the beginning of the transition.
We arrange special days and activities where your child can meet the teachers and other students in their new class if they are joining us from their primary school.
Our school's SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) analyses the findings of each test before creating a set of suggestions for the staff team.
These suggestions aid the staff in creating the individualised curriculum and the suitable tests or courses your child will take.
The Form Teaching Assistant for your child will keep you informed about how they are progressing.
A termly review and report of your child's development across the curriculum is also provided.
Be assured that you will be notified and kept updated if we have any concerns regarding your child's growth or development at school in any way.
Your child's Form Tutor should be contacted if you are concerned about the information that your child's TA is disclosing.
Links to local businesses give our students practical experience and introduce them to potential future courses and employment.
Students take part in work experience placements that are relevant to their long-term goals.
This prepares our students for life after The Observatory School by enthusing and involving them.
The Observatory School is dedicated to providing all employees with ongoing professional development opportunities in order to enhance student instruction and learning.
Individual teachers and support staff are encouraged to attend training courses delivered by outside agencies that are relevant to the needs of specific children in their class.
The school is committed to the overall welfare of our pupils and we recognise the crucial role that parents and carers play.
If for any reason our staff cannot meet the specific level of support you require, we will help you secure it.
The welfare of all of our pupils is taken very seriously at The Observatory School.
All of our staff believe that healthy self-esteem is crucial to a child's well-being.
We have a caring and understanding team to look after all of our pupils.
The Form Tutor has overall responsibility for our pastoral, medical and social care of every pupil in their class, therefore this should be your first point of contact.
This may include working alongside other agencies.
The Observatory School operates a policy for the administration and management of medicines on school site.
All staff have regular training and updates regarding medical conditions and related medication to ensure that staff are able to manage situations for individual pupils.
Our staff are "First Aid at Work" trained every 3 years and a significant number of our staff have received training in the use of a defibrillator.
The school has a defibrillator on site.
Breakfast is provided for every pupil each morning ensuring a healthy start to the day.
Our school council ensures that pupils voices and opinions are clearly heard.
Pupil voice forms part of our school monitoring processes.
Staff are vigilant to pupil wellbeing; any concerns are recorded on the school's computerised behaviour programme 'Sleuth'.
How will you prepare and support my child in their transfer to a new setting or next stage or education/life?.
Rigorous planning and preparation goes into preventing your child from becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
We commission specialist services to provide one to one support for all pupils to help them with the application process and procedures and to accompany them to college and training open days and events.
Our 'Boomerang' project gives all Year 11 leavers a dedicated phone line to call for help or advice at any time during school opening times.
Once a term we hold an onsite meeting event for leavers to catch up with us and each other!
Any concerns you have about your child's provision should be directed to their Form Tutor in the first instance.
If this is not appropriate, you can contact the Deputy Headteacher who will arrange to meet you at the earliest opportunity.
If you are still not satisfied or the concern is of a nature which cannot be resolved by the informal procedure then the school will notify you what will happen next.
The school complaints policy is available on our website for your information.