Tadley Court School

Since 2016, Lesley Walkden BAQTS. Took a degree in biology at the University of Winchester before embarking on a teaching career as an early years specialist in a mainstream primary school in Newbury. ‘Then I ran away’, she says, to learn to teach in

A formal process involving paperwork to the Priory HQ, a parents’ visit to the school, with the child if they are able, and liaison with previous schools and social services. Day children travel for up to an hour from a wide variety of local

All are taught to achieve some level of independence so that they can go into supported living or group residential provision. Some continue to further education at local colleges such as St Piers College, Berkshire College of Agriculture, Merrist

A school for ASD children, on the moderate-severe scale, many with co-occurring conditions, eg Downs, ADHD, ODD, visual difficulties or epilepsy. School is not suitable for those with physical difficulties. Teaching follows the national curriculum

Music is a treat in a secluded mixing studio in the grounds. The dedicated tutor takes individuals or groups, and rehearses the school band, which plays at graduation. Would-be instrumentalists can choose from conventional orchestral violins and

The school makes use of surrounding Tadley Common to access the great outdoors in the form of a trim trail/assault course - as well as an outdoor gym in the school grounds and a sensory circuit for daily OT sessions. In addition, the students swim

This is a day school with six associated children's homes offering weekly, termly or 52 week boarding places. There are four homes on the Tadley campus and two off-site. Each student has their own room, with bathroom and shares kitchen and living

A large therapy team is employed on-site: OT, SLTs, educational psychologist and music therapist. Some have therapy sessions specified in their EHCPs, and every child undergoes a comprehensive therapy assessment on entering the school, to draw up a

‘We spend a long time working on self-worth before we look at classic education,’ the head explained, ‘the key is trust.’ She expounded on the specific training staff have in ASD and de-escalation. All are versed in Team Teach and are sensitive to

Tadley Court is a journey for both child and family, ‘Our children come in angry and confused,’ says the head. Some have attended more than four different schools, others have been out of school for many months, even years. She continued, ‘We are

LA funded, with a scale of fees based on need, so reviewed annually.

A warm and friendly school with ample facilities to embrace the most individually-minded pupil. Led from the front by the head, the staff combines confidence and skill in managing the students’ anxiety and behaviours, which have typically prevented