Welcome to New Ways School

Michelle Woodward

Welcome from the Head Teacher

It is a privilege to be the Head teacher at New Ways School and to be part of such a positive and meaningful school community of pupils, staff, carers and families. Thank you for considering us as the next step in your young person’s educational journey.

Our pupils are among the most vulnerable in society. We are passionate in our desire to see them thrive, develop the confidence and strategies to overcome the challenges associated with autism and other learning differences and disabilities, to achieve success in life. In all the work that we do here, we use a schoolwide positive behaviour approach. With that as our guiding principle, we wish to achieve two goals, of equal importance, for our pupils: excellence in academic and social progress.

Aims

Our vision is to create a vibrant, fun and safe learning community. We offer a warm and inviting environment built on trust, rapport and experience. In practice, this means:

• Young people are happy to come to school every day and are proud of what they achieve • Parents and carers are confident that their young people are safe, happy and making good progress • All pupils are given the support and challenges they need to learn and succeed in the world beyond school • All staff create positive learning experiences that engage and challenge all pupils

What sets us apart from other schools

The philosophy at New Ways School is one of a fresh start for all pupils. This is a chance to turn previous negative experiences of education into positive ones. The dedicated educational staff team provide strategies, support and solutions to some of the most difficult challenges involving young people.

Pupils

Young people attending New Ways School all have Special Education Needs relating to ASD, ADHD, Conduct disorder, Attachment disorders, Global delay or Moderate Learning Difficulties(MLDs). We promote a therapeutic approach which helps our young people to understand themselves, others with similar needs and the wider community. We work alongside external agencies such as CAMHs, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Social Workers and Barnados, who are also working to maintain the well-being of our young people.

Areas of expertise

The school is staffed with a skilled and qualified team of professionals and resourced to offer a wide range of educational experiences for young people who have specific learning needs, including learning difficulties and behaviours that are challenging or inappropriate in community settings.

Documentation

New Ways School’s First Aid Policy is available to parents on request or via the school office.

 
"The warm and friendly atmosphere of the school has a significant impact on the pupils’ engagement with school life. They behave exceptionally well and are keen to learn." OFSTED

Parents say that they cannot fault the school. They are exceptionally happy about their children’s greatly improved behaviour both at home and at school." OFSTED