FAQ
Q. I want to place my child as a day pupil only, is that possible?
A. Yes, we have day pupils as well as pupils that are resident full time in one of our nearby children’s homes. We can also offer our day pupils outreach support during the school holidays if this is required. Some of our day pupils use the school building during the school holidays if it is agreed by purchasers that this is what they need.
Q. My child has challenging behaviour would you still consider a placement at Oliver House School?
A. Yes, complex pupils may be placed at Oliver House School where they will receive behaviour support to learn to use more functional behaviour to communicate their needs. All staff at Oliver House School are trained in British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD) approved diffusion and breakaway techniques, these are non-aversive physical intervention techniques. We only use gentle teaching methods and we find that a calm low arousal child centred environment reduces anxiety, together with helping the child build a communication bridge that can eliminate many incidents of difficult behaviours being exhibited. Replacing difficult behaviours with more functional behaviours and providing an effective communication system often eases the situation. Being child centred and having empathy for the young learner we would look to ourselves and our planning first to resolve these difficulties.
Q. We use a particular intervention at home that is working well with my child could this be continued in school?
A. All planning in school is child centred so approaches that are working successfully can be incorporated into the pupil’s daily programme. As our school is built on the SPELL framework this views the needs of the individual child first and all interventions are individually chosen.
Q. My child has little spoken communication can you help with this?
A. We employ an experienced specialist Speech and Language Therapist to support your child. Planning for improving a pupil's communication runs throughout the school day and each pupil has thorough individual communication assessment to provide a 'communication passport'. The school is built on the SPELL environment that allows pupils to reduce their dependence on staff as pupils learn from visual supports throughout the building and clear meaning. Staff are trained in Intensive Interactions, PECS and Augmented Communication Methods to enable your child to reach their communication potentail.
Q. What can I do if I’m unhappy about some aspects of the service provided by Oliver House School?
A. We take customer service seriously and always endeavour to respond promptly to any concerns or issues raised. Most matters are usually resolved quickly, however when placing a child within the school all families receive a copy of our policy guidance for Comments, Compliments or Complaints. If you require a copy of this document please contact the Headteacher on 01257 220011, or headteacher@oliverhouseschool.co.uk
