Education Services

While Sketchley School is small and highly specialised, we offer the same educational opportunities to our pupils as a mainstream school. Our academic curriculum is in line with mainstream provision and pupils are encouraged to study for a range of accreditations including GCSEs, A levels, functional skills courses and life skills qualifications. We have high aspirations for our pupils, all of whom have gone on to achieve a minimum of five GCSE passes.

Our educational ethos is not about filling the classrooms, but providing what our young people need to reach their potential. Classes are much smaller than even other specialist schools, with typically no more than four pupils. This means that our young people have substantial time with staff members, who are able to provide the more intensive support that helps them to quickly make significant progress. The school has high staff - student ratios and a minimum of one staff member for every two pupils.  

Smaller class sizes provide the low arousal environment our young people need to feel able to speak in groups and collaborate, a key area of their development. The smaller classes make it easier to practise the social skills that they are working on in therapy and school feels safe and homely. Children are able to build trust with staff and friendships between pupils flourish.

The learning experience at our school has been designed to minimise the high stress that those with autism can feel. We have much smaller sites than other schools which helps to avoid the anxiety our pupils may have felt in other settings: there simply are no crowds or big school buildings filled with people. Our smaller class sizes and the space we have available reduce sensory overload, as we can adapt each learning area to suit the individual sensory needs of our young people.

We are a therapeutic school and provide daily opportunities for pupils to put into the practice the skills they have learned in their therapy sessions, so that these become second nature and a part of everyday life. Our staff team are experienced in employing a range of strategies to support learning and development, including visual support systems, social stories, anger management techniques and reducing anxiety.

We know that our young people need support to develop the everyday skills that enable independence, which is why all pupils follow a life skills curriculum. From the very start of their time with us, children learn in the community, building confidence and social skills in a safe and supported way. All pupils undertake community service and work experience to develop lifelong skills such as problem solving and teamwork that help them to succeed at school and beyond. We also provide a broad range of positive life experiences for our young people off site, such as sailing, climbing and horse-riding.

Parents and carers play a crucial role in supporting their child’s education and ensuring that they reach their potential. We know how challenging life can be for families of a child who has autism and we provide guidance, practical support and advice from day one of their journey with us. The school works closely with parents, keeping in daily contact to update on progress and consult on next steps. Parents also have the reassurance of an open door policy ensuring open communication with all teaching staff, including the Head Teacher.