Introduction
Published by Anne Sherer (12:52:36 11th Jun, 2010)
Rutherford School
A specialist independent SEN School for pupils aged 3-19 years with profound & multiple learning difficulties, complex medical needs, degenerative conditions and additional sensory impairments.
Welcome
Rutherford School is a specialist independent mixed day school for pupils between the ages of 3 – 1 9 years. The highly unique Profound (Developmental) Curriculum is designed to provide education in an integrated manner incorporating learning, therapy and health needs for pupils with Profound & Multiple Learning Difficulties which are compounded by a high degree of dependency, and who require very specialised management for physical disabilities, sensory impairment and complex medical needs.
The school has also developed an expertise in the education of pupils with Rett Syndrome.
Rutherford School is the only authorised school outside of St Margarets School to implement the Profound (Developmental) Curriculum in totality as a whole school approach. Our academic year is extended to 42 weeks in addition to which we also operate a Saturday Club. There are spacious, purpose-built classrooms which incorporate bespoke facilities and equipment, a hydrotherapy pool, separate therapy rooms, quiet rooms, multi-sensory facilities and a paediatric nursing suite. The School is nearing completion of a major redevelopment programme to include an Immersive Learning Environment which allows the pupils to be in control of their surroundings via Assistive Technology. There will be a large multi-purpose hall - a flexible space supporting delivery of the Profound (Developmental) Curriculum. State of the art resources will include Rebound Therapy, Music Therapy, and Sensory Integration, alongside a Spacekraft Sensory Themed Studio System, Optibeam Music Creation System, Akka Mobility Device enabling pupils to explore the world round them and soft play equipment. Complementing this, a further multi-sensory room, the key concepts of which will combine several schools of thought relating to its use which are –
An Interactive Room - (primarily switch based with information technology designed to promote independence skills)
Dark Room - (for visual stimulation)
Atmospherics and Theme Room - (designed to develop an inspire imagination)
Leisure and Relaxation
The school is set in a pleasant suburban environment with attractive grounds which incorporate a sensory garden and communication trail.
In October 2008 the school received a very good Ofsted Inspection with outstanding features, the report is available on request.
Rutherford School is part of The Garwood Foundation, a well established and highly regarded local Charity (Registration No: 272905) which is managed by a Board of Trustees under the directives of current legislation.
Rutherford School's Philosophy
At Rutherford School, we recognise that all pupils have a right to be and feel accepted as individuals of intrinsic and equal worth across all domains of their lives.
Rutherford School Aims
We will place a team around the child by providing an effective intra-disciplinary team which works in partnership with parents, carers, and the community, to ensure each learner’s special educational and medical needs are met within an inclusive approach.
We will create an immersive environment conducive to the Profound (Developmental) Curriculum which will minimise the barriers experienced by learners with complex needs and thereby promote their ability to enable choice and effect control over their surroundings.
We will enhance every learner’s intellectual, physical, emotional and social development thereby enabling them to develop their potential and live life to the full.
Community Links - Extended Schools and Partnership Working
The school believes that all children and young people have the right to access all aspects of community life. It makes every effort to give learners opportunities to participate in community activities and to use community services and be at the heart of the community we serve. We believe that extended schools and partnership working in a range of activities in particular sport and culture expand opportunities for the children. Extended schools help to make personalised learning real.
Specialist Resources / Facilities
Published by Anne Sherer (11:47:30 24th Jan, 2012)