The Robert Ogden School

What the school says...

At the NAS Robert Odgen School, we pride ourselves on our personal approach to each child who comes here. All our children learn at their own pace and according to their own individual needs. It is a pleasure to watch them progress and we celebrate their achievements, however big or small, whenever we can. Our specialist staff are a dedicated close-knit team. They work together to create a stable and structured environment where our children can learn and be nurtured.

Our children have a range of abilities. Each child will:
- receive teaching of the highest quality which includes autism-specific techniques;
- learn in an appropriately safe and stimulating environment;
- be encouraged to aim for high standards in their own learning and achievement;
- benefit from good communication between home and school;
- learn good behaviour and attitudes so that they can make a positive contribution to school life;
- study a broad, balanced and challenging curriculum;
- learn in a caring and cared for environment;
- be given support in their learning at all times;
- be part of a healthy school.

We create a positive, caring environment in which children can develop and achieve their own goals. Some of our children come to us after a long period away from school. We hope with support and care they will come to see school as a comfortable, positive place, where they are welcome.

Our children learn in class groups, residential groups or on their own depending on what works best for them. We encourage all our children to join in with school life as much as it is possible for them to do so; attending assemblies and communal mealtimes and joining social clubs may be new to many of our children. We always make sure they are happy to try new things and all our activities take into account age, ability and individual needs.

Children in our homes plan their own activities for the week with the help of their key workers. These may include attending external clubs and groups such as swimming, scouts and youth clubs.

Where possible, we encourage our young people to proceed to mainstream school and further education colleges and to work towards formal examinations. Our aim is to teach our children the skills they need to live as independently as possible in the future. Older students will have their own bank account, learn to travel on public transport, look after the home, shop and budget. Each child is given a leaving care plan.

We understand that your child's wellbeing is of paramount importance to you, and we have extremely robust safeguarding procedures and practices in place to support this. Our school is a nurturing and high quality environment, and staff are committed to ensuring that each child feels safe and cared for. We firmly believe it is the right of every child to be healthy, safe and happy, and to achieve and make a positive contribution.

As well as day pupils we also take termly weekday boarders in our new facility - Thurnscoe House located just over a mile a mile away from the school in the heart of the local community. Thurnscoe House also operates a popular short breaks service. Children can access overnight stays during term time or fun filled activity breaks at the weekend or during the school holidays. The latter two services are also available to children with autism who do not attend the school.

Clayton Croft is the school's children's home, located within the school grounds. Clayton Croft is a modern and hospitable set of four interconnected areas with accommodation for up to 16 children and young people with autism, aged eight to 17 years. But it is so much more than simply a home for children attending the adjacent school. Clayton Croft is a place where the development of the whole child their educational, social and personal well-being is paramount. The children each have a key worker who they meet with once a week to review their care plan and progress.

During the school term, staff from both the NAS Robert Ogden School and Clayton Croft work together, sharing information to support the childrens educational progress and providing support in the classroom. Social and personal potential is fostered year-round; through a culture of care and individual relationships between staff and the children, a range of purposeful activities and outings and opportunities for children to make decisions and take responsibility for aspects of their lives.
By taking part in the decisions that affect them, such as their living environment and daily schedules, children are able to develop their confidence, self-esteem and communication skills. Through the efforts of our staff and with access to technology, everyone is able to communicate their views. By participating in this way, young people can begin to prepare for adult life.

Our staff are encouraged to be proficient in a range of communication methods in order to meet the complex needs of the children. There is a positive culture of warmth and understanding which parents appreciate. We use the NAS SPELL framework to create a supportive, structured and autism-friendly environment. We welcome referrals of children and young people from local authorities across the country and encourage regular contact with families. There is a family room for visits and we use Skype for longer distance contact ...Read more

This is not currently a GSG-reviewed school.

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