School Overview
Oliver House School is built on the SPELL framework that is person centred. Within SPELL all interventions are individually determined so can incorporate Teaching and Education of Autistic and related Communication and Handicapped Children (TEACCH), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), Intensive Interactions and the latest child centred therapeutic approaches to working successfully with autistic children and young people. At Oliver House School each child is valued and supported with an individualised skill development curriculum that is designed to address the specific and unique needs of each child and reflect our support for the Every Child Matters agenda.
We are aiming to be a healthy school where pupils’ wellbeing is the focus. Ofsted confirmed that our ‘provision for pupil’s welfare, health and safety is outstanding’.
We offer a warm and safe, autistic friendly environment which focuses on low arousal environment. Using gentle teaching techniques we work with our pupils in a calm and patient manner to build progress and real achievement. We welcome visits from families and value working in partnerships with others. We are happy to provide training opportunities for families to further support understanding of autism and different interventions.
Regular pupil assessments include a sensory profile and detailed functional communication report by our highly experienced Speech and Language Therapist to ensure that progress is seen in all areas. Sensory diets can be provided to promote sensory processing and integration if required.
We work in partnership with families, Local Education Authorities and other professionals. We particularly encourage pupil’s families to feel part of our school community and seek to have an open door policy to welcome them.
Every Child Matters Agenda
Oliver House School is committed to providing pupils with the best possible support to achieve the outcomes of the government’s Every Child Matters agenda. These outcomes are:
Be healthy
Stay safe
Enjoy and achieve
Make a positive contribution
Achieve economic well-being
Each new term one of the headings is selected for our pupils to work towards and outcomes are achieved by engaging in fun and enjoyable activities. Some of the recent activities that Oliver House School pupils have participated in include recycling, raising money for a local children’s charity, helping to plant out a garden for a local community centre and visits to local safety officers.
Our pupils take an active part in the life of our local community and regularly visit libraries and galleries to experience these.
Pupils stay healthy by swimming and taking part in the ‘Cycling for All’ at Preston Sports Arena and also by regular walks to nearby areas of outstanding natural beauty.
