Sheiling School

Since 2016, Andy Walters, previously deputy head at Sheiling School. Has been leading the school with passion and verve (partially fuelled, we wondered, by the very strong coffee we were offered during our meeting with him). Before finding the

Suits those with complex cognitive needs (autism, severe epilepsy, Down’s syndrome) and low behaviour needs. Extensive woodland site means those with significant physical needs (wheelchair) would be less well-suited. Students are welcome (all have an

Majority leave at the end of year 14 (school has extra ‘sixth form’ year) and go on to specialist FE colleges. Most want to join Sheiling College, which is onsite catering for 19-25s (80 per cent do), but places are not guaranteed by being at the

No cookie cutter curriculum here. The programme is entirely individual to each student to help them make the right progress. It starts as soon as a student steps over the threshold of the school with life skills placed on equal footing with the more

Learning support is interwoven seamlessly into the day. Each student has one-to-one support throughout the day. Gentle encouragement from a student’s support worker or teaching assistant is given to remain in class but, if a break is necessary, they

Music and movement are a cornerstone of the Sheiling’s curriculum. We watched the visiting music teacher, guitar in hand, leading a happy group of students as they sang and danced around the hall, and there was the same level of enthusiasm for

Great gym hall for students to throw some hoops, play badminton or run around. Helmets are at the ready for those wanting to use the trikes and go-karts outside. Sport is formally on the timetable once a week, but the students also use the facilities

‘Home from home’ is the emphasis for the boarders and, with only a small number doing so (nine currently with space for another three), this is possible. Students have their own bedroom; some have ensuite bathrooms whilst others have a bathroom very

Therapy and therapeutic approaches are an integral part of the offering, coordinated by the positive behaviour support lead. Core therapy offer includes OT, speech and language and positive behaviour support. Needs-led therapy interventions also

The pastoral wellbeing of students is paramount and is primarily driven by excellent communication between all those working with students. The size of the school enables staff to know the pupils well, what triggers them and any early warning signs,

Students are content in their surroundings, with one student regularly asking their parents at the weekend how many sleeps it is until school starts again! The head is thrilled that some find real friendship. He proudly showed us a photo of prom

Places predominantly LA-funded. It is necessary for some families to work through the tribunal process to secure a place, but the Sheiling remains on hand to help with this process wherever they can. ‘The head was so supportive, helping us to

‘Sheiling’ is an ancient word for a shelter for shepherds. Now adapted by the school to mean the safety and warmth of individualised care. The Sheiling is a school which offers a close-knit, compassionate community in the forest – a refuge for