learning at Nugent house school

At Nugent House school pupils study National Curriculum subjects in key Stages 2, 3 and 4. We also provide post 16 education for young people up to 19 years old.

The school prides itself on providing a holistic approach to education by preparing pupils for all the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

Through this supportive environment, children can begin to develop self-respect and self-confidence.

SCHOOL ORGANISATION

All boys are expected to wear school uniform which is provided.

Nugent House School is a modern teaching facility operating a number of purpose built and well maintained buildings.
The school enjoys a large and superbly equipped sports hall which accommodates equipment for Physical Education and Gymnastics, a wide range of indoor games and also an excellent indoor climbing wall.
Extensive playing fields, athletics track and tennis courts are also provided allowing for a wide range of team and individual sporting pursuits for all pupils.
A wide range of extra-curricular activities are also available.
Pupils are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings through the School s Council meetings.

CURRICULUM ORGANISATION

There is a wide range of ability within the school population and for some pupils specialist support is available to meet individual needs.

The school offers the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Art and Design, Design and Technology, Information Communication Technology, Physical Education, History and RE, Music and Science.  Other subjects taught at the school include Personal and Social Health Education, Citizenship and Food Technology.

Asdan is also offered, along with Entry Level Certificates and a range of AQA Unit Awards.  We offer a range of external accreditation including GCSE.
We work in partnership with local colleges to extend the curriculum into vocational subjects. The college provision is accessed by pupils in Year 10 and Year 11.  An education / college package can be tailored to meet individual need as appropriate in Years 11, 12 and 13.

POST 16 PROVISION

The school caters for young people up to the age of 19 and a range of options are offered to meet their educational needs through our relationship with a number of local colleges.  Each student who attends college is allocated a personal tutor who works in liaison with college staff and, in some cases, attends college with the student.   There is also provision on site to deliver individually tailored programmes including Asdan and literacy support packages.

PRIMARY PROVISION

At Nugent House School, in response to our growing primary population, we have opened a unit for primary aged pupils.  This area currently comprises of a large communal area, three individual classrooms to accommodate group or individual work and a large playroom for art, sand and water activities.  

The facilities on offer within the primary resource enable us to meet a wide range of need and provide an environment which facilitates many learning styles and opportunities, where a team of staff are able to work in a whole host of different ways to meet individual pupil needs.

NURTURE PROVISION

We currently offer a Nurture Provision whereby pupils who are of secondary age are taught in a primary model.

This consists of accessing the majority of lessons and subjects delivered by a designated teacher.  In addition, pupils access specialist subjects out of the nurture classrooms, taught by subject specialists, eg, PE and DT.  Pupils in these groups tend to have more complex, emotional and behavioural difficulties and/or learning difficulties and being class based with a consistent teacher enables their needs to be met through a more holistic approach.

Our Nurture Groups have no more than five pupils per group and they are taught by a teacher and typically supported by two teaching assistants.  These class groups are primarily arranged by need and age is also considered to ensure a compatible peer group.
The Nurture Group curriculum is modified to the individual needs of the pupil and takes account of the more complex nature of difficulties experienced by pupils.  As a result there are more opportunities to access additional recreational and community based activities such as swimming and attendance at a local gym.

SPECIALIST SUPPORT

Each class has the services of a Teaching Assistant who aids the class teacher in the delivery of the curriculum.  Those children who require additional personal support are allocated a Personal Support Assistant who accompanies that pupil as required.
A specialist Literacy Support Department assists children with specific learning difficulties and the school's Educational Psychologist advises all staff on the appropriateness of effective assessment and testing.

SEX EDUCATION & EDUCATION FOR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

We work hard to assist the personal development of each student by adopting a sex education and personal relationship programme.  This aims to help students develop an appropriate moral code through several areas of the curriculum.

Should any parents wish to discuss the school s programme for Sex Education and Education for Personal Relationships, they are invited to make an appointment via the Principal's Secretary.

CAREERS EDUCATION/WORK RELATED LEARNING

The school has established the provision of a well resourced careers library, which is accessible to all boys at stated times, under the supervision of a teacher with responsibility for this area of the curriculum.  The aim of this programme is not only to make pupils aware of employment opportunities and the necessary academic qualification, but also to create an awareness of personal qualities valued by employers.  Pupils from Year 9 onwards engage with Connexions and have a Personal Adviser.

If appropriate, pupils work towards the AQA Preparation for Working Life qualification.  Boys also have the opportunity to take part in a Work Experience placement.

SCHOOL ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING

All children are subject to a period of observation and assessment in the initial six weeks of their placement at the school.

This information contributes largely to the formulation of Individual Education and Care Plans which are among the principle vehicles for the monitoring and evaluation of children's progress.  Parents / carers and Local Authorities are kept informed about the child s personal progress and most comprehensively at the time of the statutory annual review.
A Parents Evening is organised annually so that parents/guardians have an opportunity to meet with staff and discuss their children's academic progress. Parents/guardians are welcome to contact the school at all reasonable times to discuss progress.

SCHOOL DISCIPLINE / BEHAVIOUR

Nugent House School expects the highest possible standards of behaviour, however, this policy does take into account the often acute nature of the emotional and behavioural difficulties exhibited by the children prior to their admission.

Factors such as the nature and quality of the school environment, interaction with pupils and staff, daily structures and levels of responsibility all play a crucial role in the development of an atmosphere which is ordered, supportive, stable and secure.

Whilst at Nugent House School, pupils will require a high degree of protection, guidance, support and supervision; the school is obliged to encourage an increasing degree of self-control and self-discipline within each pupil.
The school operates a reward system for modifying behaviour in which every pupil participates.  This system enables staff to monitor behaviour, to focus attention towards particular aspects of a child's behaviour and to provide the individual with the opportunity to modify their own behaviour, by providing approval and encouragement for positive performance.
Nugent House School will apply a range of supportive intervention strategies for individual pupils who present management issues.
The application of any action is undertaken in a professional and thoughtful manner and takes account of the individual child's difficulties and abilities as well as their specific needs.  These measures also take account of the safety and security of the children.
All consequences are recorded appropriately and this record is available for inspection by parents / carers, user Authorities, visiting Governors, St Helens Childrens Services and Ofsted.
A full list of approved sanctions / consequences are available on request.
In very exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary to impose a fixed term or permanent exclusion.  In most cases exclusion will be the last resort after a range of measures have been tried to improve the pupil s behaviour.
Further details can be found in the school s exclusion policy, a copy of which is available.
Copies of all policies including promoting good behaviour, exclusion, child protection, curriculum, bullying and Health & Safety policies are available.
Parents may also request from the school a list of academic performance information and a staff list with a summary of qualifications is available at the school.
Copies of the complaints procedure and the number of complaints in the preceding year is available from the school upon request.