Freemantles School

Since 2010, Justin Price (40s) BEd NPQH PGDip Autism. Justin (everyone at this school called by their first name) started working in special needs when he did work experience with a child in a special school. This experience led him to a teaching

Currently exclusively Surrey referrals. Formal and informal visits, parent tours and time in the classroom arranged by the most welcoming school office. School hugely popular and oversubscribed - parents reported waiting for years for a place to c

Pupils we spoke to thought they would definitely be going on to further education - to Guildford College or Brooklands College perhaps, for vocational training. They said they 'will be sad' when they leave but that they ‘would be ready to move on

All pupils have EHCPs and arrive with varied needs and difficulties, but all with autism. As a result, teaching is highly individualised, which is possible with the high staff to pupil ratio. We saw one class of nine pupils that had five staff sup

Soft play room for lower years timetabled so each of the classes get time to roll, slide and bounce. A larger sensory circuit space available like a gym to meet the sensory needs of pupils who need a moment’s break from sitting and concentrating.

PE involves tag rugby, swimming, athletics (foam javelin, running, long jump etc) and choices from more exotic sailing to yoga, dance and walking the morning mile. The school has its own small swimming pool – used for the infants to learn to swim

The school started 30 years ago as Windlesham House with only 12 students. It has moved and is now in a new purpose built building for 100 students, but a constant programme of expansion has allowed for the current population and work is underway

A key aspect of the school is the availability of a range of therapies that are used as and when required by a pupil. TEACCH - to help structure the day - in evidence throughout the school from reception onwards, using symbols and later written p

Emotional wellbeing is the main goal - achieved, the head believes, through social understanding, communication and independence. If these are the core long term aims of the school, they are achieved on a daily basis using relaxation techniques -

Pupils exclusively from Surrey since its LA is responsible for admissions, and also transports the vast majority of the pupils to the school in 30 vehicles each day. When pupils join at reception, many are not verbal. Many parents say that their c

Friends of Freemantles raise money to support and run the school minibuses, music therapy caravans etc. Otherwise funding through LA.

Some exceptional caring with excellent resources in terms of staff, equipment and therapies. An example of good practice and evidence that challenging pupils, whilst giving them sufficient support, can bring happiness and satisfaction. Solid, tigh