The Curriculum

All pupils have access to the National Curriculum subject and in additional are introduced to a range of experiences.  The school
offers personal, social and health education, community education, residential and outdoor activities and work related learning opportunities.

Older students have access to a range of external accreditation including, where appropriate, Entry Level, GCSE, ASDAN Transition Challenge Award, Gateway and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

The school offers specialist support from the services of Speech and Language, Physio and Occupational Therapies.

“A particular strong feature of teaching and the curriculum – both outstanding-is the manner in which the needs of all pupils are fully met, providing them equal opportunities”

“There is a host of enrichment opportunities, which make learning enjoyable and extend pupils’ learning”.

“The quality of teaching is outstanding.”

“Pupils make outstanding progress.”

Quotes taken from the latest Ofsted report.

How the School is organised

The school offers classes with a high staff to pupil ratio managed by experienced and qualified teaching and classroom support staff.  The school operates twelve classes and for organisational purposes is divided into Primary Department School and Secondary Department which includes the Sixth Form. Pupils are placed in class groups according to their age, but consideration is also given to a pupil's learning needs, emotional maturity and practical needs. In addition, pupils in key stages 1, 2 and 3 spend a proportion of each week in ability based teaching groups, which cater for their preferred learning style.

A range of teaching and learning techniques is used with an emphasis on tried and tested, structured and systematic learning programmes.

Additional specialist support is given in certain areas of the curriculum, for example, language development by the speech therapist, physical development by the physiotherapists and personal, social and health education by the nurse and occupational therapist.
 
“…….. outstanding leadership and management provides a very clear direction and results in a school that is constantly questioning and challenging itself to do even more towards meeting its aim to ‘exceed expectation and achieve excellence’" Ofsted Report.

Our Resources

Our main resource and asset is our staff.  The school gives high priority to on-going staff training and development.  The school has been awarded a number of national awards which includes Investor in People recognition.  The impressive facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, light and sound room, a networked Information Technology system library and Design Technology /Science workshop.  Outdoor facilities are similarly good with a traditional playgrounds with wheelchair accessible equipment, sports field, maze, conservation area, organic garden and individual class play areas.
The school has its own transport to support field trips, community use and residentials.  A dedicated therapy unit enhances the service and provision for Physio, Occupational and Speech therapy.  A recently built Pupil Support Unit provides additional facilities for 1:1 and small group work, particularly for pupils with autism.

“Funds are used very efficiently to improve what is provided for pupils” Ofsted Report.

“With the range of other professionals working in the school it is clear that Springfield’s inclusive approach is providing the very best for the children” Ofsted Report.

Working with parents / carers

The school values close partnerships with parents, carers and the community, great value is put on their support.  Pupils are expected to take an active role within a wide environment using all the local amenities.

“ There are excellent opportunities  for pupils to develop the skills needed to contribute to the community and life beyond” Ofsted Report.

“ Parents view this is a very good, supportive and caring school. The school has very good links with parents and the parents involvement has a good impact on the work of the school” Ofsted report

The Sixth Form

The Sixth Form offers a two / three year course to students aged 16 to 19. The department is divided into lower and upper sixth and the upper sixth base is located on the first floor and is independent form the rest of the school.  Access includes lift facilities, a training flat comprising a fully equipped kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and a lounge area used by the students as a common room.  Sixth form students participate in a range of activities including world of work, community and residentials.  The educational provision is complemented by support from Connexions (the careers service) Physiotherapy and Speech and Language Therapy and from other specialist agencies.

“The arrangements for preparing pupils for their future are exceptionally good, with work related learning high on the agenda from year 9.” Ofsted Report