Syon Department

Complex Need Department Overview

Our Complex Needs Department provides an inclusive environment, in which a range of teaching strategies are tailored to create a personalised approach to learning. The department caters for students with a range of physical, medical and cognitive needs. These needs include Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and some students who have Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and who will benefit from being a member of a class group with more social peers.

Curriculum

Across Key stages Three and Four, students follow the National Curriculum, which includes familiar subjects such as English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Physical Education, swimming, Art and Design Technology, ICT, and Food Technology. We follow a secondary model and pupils are taught for some subjects by subject teachers as well as having a class teacher. Sessions are adapted to suit the need of the learner using a multisensory approach. Within all sessions there is a strong focus upon giving students opportunities to develop their communication, functional Literacy, Numeracy and ICT skills and to increase their independence in preparation for as they grow older. Students also take part in weekly Educational Community Visits, during which students access activities relations to their current programme of study. The sessions also provides the opportunity to learn about, experience, and explore how to behave appropriately, maintain personal safety and function with maximum independence when out in the wider community. Within Key Stage Four students are introduced to Vocational Skills, and have the opportunity to take vocational qualifications, accredited by Laser, such as “Becoming ready for the World of Work”.

Specialist Approaches and Facilities

To support and compliment the curriculum we have a wide range of specialist facilities and unique approaches to learning.  Staff work alongside multi-professional agencies to ensure that all of the students’ needs are met to the highest of standards during their time at school.  Staff work alongside Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and Music Therapists to deliver individualised programmes as necessary.