We aim to help children to be ready to engage with learning, to manage their emotional responses in more socially acceptable ways and to express themselves with increasing emotional literacy and confidence.
Kirby Moor site also has a Nurture Unit on site which offers pupils learning and growth within a holistic, nurturing environment. Practical, hands-on activities are underpinned by the National Curriculum and supported by individual programmes and planning.
By offering this mirrored approach we aspire to ready our pupils for transition back to mainstream schools or post 16 provision.
We are very proud of our track record of successful transition and our recent accreditation results including at GCSE and Cambridge National level
The pupils at Kirby main site have often had difficulties in accessing learning at mainstream schools, such as:
- Special Educational needs which present as Behaviour which can challenge.
- Attention and concentration difficulties
- Attachment Disorders and Anxiety related difficulties
- Young people deemed hard to engage due to mental/emotional health needs including ‘school phobia’
We have a comprehensive assessment and tracking system which ensures pupils are taught at a level which leads them to rapid academic progress while also developing their social and emotional regulation skills
Our facilities include:
6 large classroom bases
Science lab
Art and design workshop
Library
Small group areas
Garden area
Recreational areas
Dining room
Outdoor undercover learning space
Pastoral team & support services
Quiet spaces around the school
Qualified nurse
Our Teaching Approach
Every class has a maximum of 5 pupils and is led by a qualified teacher and learning support assistant. The specific needs of pupils are met by developing and implementing Individual Learning Plans.
Speaking, listening, reading and writing skills are the focus of all teaching and learning, aiming to narrow any gaps our pupils may have in their knowledge and understanding.
Pupils gain self-respect and self confidence by experiencing success. All pupils gain accreditation at a level suited to their ability.
Pupils are grouped according to emotional literacy and academic ability. Similar ability groups ensure the curriculum is delivered at a level the individual pupil needs.
The staff are experienced in working with pupils who have encountered negative experiences at previous educational settings.
Positive encouragement and learning experiences are reinforced in every area of the school to enable every young person to feel included and very much a part of our school.
We instill a sense of pride and belonging for every young person to encourage a positive experience in education and give them aspirations and goals to achieve both now and in the future.
