Aspen2at
Introduction
Aspen2 is the Dover and Deal district specialist provision for children with profound, severe and complex learning needs. Opening in 2001 the specialist provision is based in the middle of a main stream secondary school and focuses on using this wonderful setting to practice and promote inclusive education. Pupils from Aspen attend tutor groups and assemblies with main stream pupils and are where felt appropriate, able to attend main school academic and practical lessons. The provision caters for up to 40 pupils aged 11 – 19. Each child has a statement of special education need. When not attending mainschool lessons, pupils are taught in small class groups by specialist teachers and teaching assistants. On average class sizes are of about eight to ten pupils.
Aims of Aspen2
The aim of Aspen2 is to provide opportunities for pupils to access a curriculum that:
- Provides full quality of life;
- Is relevant to their individual, social and educational needs;
- Enables experience and development within the guidelines of the National Curriculum;
- Enables the development within an environment which promotes sharing, group learning and an understanding of society;
- Provides opportunity to access inclusive education that is individual, appropriate and supported with adequate resources.
- Is flexible in approach.
- Is progressive and builds upon achievement and experience.
Aspen2 aims to develop policies and practices that are recognised as exemplars for inclusive education.
Aspen2 aims to celebrate the value of all members of the school community by:
- Recognising their rights
- Acknowledging their needs
- Supporting their development
- Rejoicing in their success
Aspen2 aims to develop pupils sufficiently to enable them to leave school as independent as they possibly can be within the constraints of their difficulties.
Aspen 2 has a specialised unit base within the heart of Dover Christ Church Academy. The unit is made up of 5 teaching staff:-
Mr Cole Andrew Head of Aspen 2
Mrs Stefanie Zintel –WarnerDeputy of Learning for Aspen 2
Mrs Beverley Easton Reid Class Teacher - Secondment
Mrs Jayne MangiliClass teacher Year 9/10
Miss Beth ReevesClass teacher Year 7/8
Mrs Glynis FarthingClass teacher Year 11 (part time)
Miss Sophie TateClass Teacher Post 16
There are also 18 Teaching Assistants who support within class lessons but are also responsible for meeting the child’s medical and care needs as well as target setting, monitoring and assessment of student progress.
The unit is well resourced and has access to many of the main school facilities for Design Technology, Food Technology, P.E. and Music. Pupils have access to a hydrotherapy pool and many of our pupils have input from a speech and language therapist, music therapist, physios and an occupational therapist
Teaching assistants are based mainly with the same class group for about 80% of their time but they do work with other classes of pupils so that our children get a variety of expertise. Our staff also get opportunity to work with students with a variety of different disabilities.