School life
Since its foundation the school has constantly adapted to meet the changing needs of its pupils by providing a flexible structure and, where needed, a high staff to pupil ratio. Woodcroft is an education resource that can meet the needs of children who require additional support to learn and develop in mainstream schools or who need periods of intensive work in an alternative school setting. The services we offer are designed to support and complement those offered by local authorities. After an intensive period of therapeutic intervention, Woodcroft aims to prepare pupils to continue their education within their own local authorities' provision.
Where appropriate the school will consider the implementation of a dual placement programme linked to a mainstream school. Further details of these arrangements and our other services are available from the head teacher.
The school is registered and inspected by Ofsted and approved by the Department for Children Schools and Families for the admission of pupils for whom statements of special educational needs are maintained or are being prepared.
The school has five classes and pupils are grouped according to their needs. Each small class has a teacher, a class co-ordinator and support staff, including qualified nursery nurses. All pupils have access to therapists in either group or individual sessions. As appropriate, pupils attend regular weekly visits to the local adventure playground, gymnasium, pony riding centre, sports centre, swimming pool and tennis club.
Our school lunches are made with fresh, local and where possible organic ingredients supplied by a local organic farm as part of the Soil Association's Food for Life project. Our healthy food policy is intended to reinforce the healthy living goals of the school curriculum. A variety of computers and access technology (including alternative communication systems) are in use. Specific special needs such as sensory impairment, disturbed behaviour, physical disabilities and speech and language disorders are catered for by appropriately qualified staff and the provision of suitable equipment where necessary.
The school year of thirty-seven weeks is divided into three terms following the general school holiday pattern. Details of the school holidays are available on request. Hours are from 8.50am to 3.20pm.