Our Mission Statement
“At Russet House School we aim to be a centre of excellence,
providing a nurturing environment where the
individual needs of children with autism
are met through multi-disciplinary assessment
and high quality teaching.” |
Aims of Russet House
- To provide accommodation and a physical environment designed to meet the needs of pupils with autism.
- To provide a broad, balanced, relevant curriculum for pupils with autism, which includes access to the Foundation and National Curriculum at appropriate levels.
- To provide a range of teaching methods and interventions informed by a knowledge and understanding of autism.
- To maximise potential and raise levels of achievement, particularly in the areas of communication, social development and management of behaviour.
- To create a learning environment which encourages flexibility of thought and promotes confidence, independence and self-esteem.
- To provide a learning context which reflects the diversity of cultural backgrounds and offers equal opportunities for all.
- To offer multi-disciplinary assessment and ongoing intervention.
- To create an environment where parents / carers and professionals are seen as equal partners in an interactive team.
- To help the child with autism develop appropriate behaviour with an appreciation and acceptance of social norms through individual and group learning experiences.
- To promote honesty, courtesy, self-discipline, tolerance and respect for others and their beliefs.
- To create a working environment where all staff, regardless of role, are valued for their contribution to all aspects of school life.
- To maintain an experienced and well-trained team and offer opportunities for ongoing staff development and training, particularly in the area of autism.
- To raise awareness of autism and associated communication disorders.
- To provide integration into mainstream school where appropriate.
- To promote inclusive education by working in partnership with other special and mainstream schools.
- To establish positive links with the local community.
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Admissions Criteria
- All children must have a diagnosis of autism.
- Children between the ages of 3 and 11 are eligible for a place.
- Admissions are the responsibility of the London Borough of Enfield.
- Although the school caters for the whole range of autistic spectrum disorders, placement is not appropriate for pupils whose main problem is severe or moderate learning difficulty.
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Special Educational Needs
Russet House specialises in teaching nursery and primary aged pupils who have a diagnosis of autism In order to meet the individual needs of all pupils, we have an eclectic approach to teaching based primarily on the principles of TEACCH. Pupils’ communication is supported by the use of Makaton and The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).
All pupils have a Statement of Special Educational Needs or are undergoing Statutory Assessment.
In addition to communication and social interaction difficulties, some pupils may have challenging behaviour which is carefully managed by our expert team of staff.
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The School Buildings
Russet House provides a purpose-built environment for pupils with autism and has been designed to minimise distraction and maximise learning opportunities.
Classrooms
Each classroom offers the same range of facilities. There is a large central work area and a small adjoining room for individual work within a distraction-free setting.
All classrooms have a lockable computer bay, housing up-to-date computer equipment, a large walk-in storage cupboard to ensure that the central work area is kept as distraction-free as possible and all but the classrooms for Year 5 and 6 pupils have en-suite toilet facilities. The toilets for the older pupils are immediately outside the classroom to encourage independence and personal responsibility.
All classes have easy access to a shared kitchen area where drinks and snacks can be prepared.
Outside each classroom is a covered area which can be used as an extension to the classroom.
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Indoor Shared Facilities
All pupils have regular opportunities to use:
- the large spacious sound-proofed hall which houses a comprehensive range of P.E. equipment
- the soft play room
- the sensory room
- the food technology room
- the technology room
- the library
- the computer suite housed in the library
- the sensory integration room
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Outdoors
The nursery and reception classes have their own secluded walled play area where they use a wide range of climbing equipment and other outdoor toys. They also have access to a small sensory garden.
In addition, the school has a large playground to the rear of the building which comprises a grassed and tarmac area. We have exciting adventure play equipment for infant and junior aged pupils, a large tyre swing, see-saw, sandpit and two swings.
In the playground we have a large sensory area and an environmental garden including a pond.
All pupils have access to bicycles, tricycles, barrels, balls and trolleys.
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The Curriculum
We have a broad and balanced curriculum offering access to the Foundation Stage and National Curriculum but modified by school staff to meet the needs of pupils with autism.
Emphasis is placed on communication skills, personal, social and health development and behaviour management.
Specialist approaches to teaching pupils with autism, such as TEACCH and PECS are used throughout the school and great emphasis is placed on the use of visual information to help our pupils learn.
Pupils may be taught in small groups, pairs or individually. All work is differentiated to meet the needs of individual pupils.
All pupils have individual targets relating to communication, behaviour and personal, social and health development and these are monitored regularly and reviewed at the Annual Review of the child’s Statement.
To support learning in a wider context, pupils are taken out regularly to visit and practise their skills in the local community. Pupils may walk, use public transport or travel in the school minibus to visit parks, zoos, museums, art galleries and shops.
In addition, the curriculum is supported and enriched by visiting musicians, actors, artists and sports coaches.
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The School Day
Nursery
For the first term, nursery aged pupils attend for 5 mornings a week arriving at school at 9.10 a.m. and leaving at 11.45 a.m. Pupils are greeted by their class staff and taken to the classroom. Most of the pupils come to school in either a minibus or taxi and are accompanied by an escort.
Reception to Year 6
Pupils attending full-time arrive at school at 9.10 a.m. and leave at 3.00 p.m.
Again most children are collected from home and brought to school on transport provided by the London Borough of Enfield. All minibuses have either one or two escorts. On arrival, classroom staff greet the pupils at the buses and then take them to the classrooms.
There is a daily mid-morning break of 15 minutes between 10.45 and 11.00 a.m.
Lunch is served in the school hall between 12.00 noon and 12.45 p.m. when the pupils then have a 45 minute playtime.
The afternoon session starts at 1.30 p.m. and there is no afternoon break.
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The Staff Team
Russet House has large staff team of teachers, nursery nurses, teaching assistants, administrative staff and lunchtime supervisory assistants. All staff work closely together, each bringing their own experience and expertise to ensure an integrated approach to the education and welfare of the children. Teaching and classroom staff are particularly skilled at working with autistic pupils and are well informed about current issues relating to autism. All staff receive on-training about autism.
Their work is supported through liaison with a range of other professional bodies. There are regular visits from link educational psychologists and some contact with the Child and Family Service.
Speech and language therapy is provided by the Primary Care Trust. Each pupil has access to speech and language therapy once a week.
The community consultant paediatrician and the school nurse make regular visits to the school and many children have their medical assessments in the familiar environment of the school. (Appointments to see the consultant community paediatrician are made with his secretary through Chase Farm Hospital)
Classroom staff work co-operatively with other visiting professionals including two part-time music therapists, a part-time occupational therapist, a part-time dance and movement therapist and a part-time art therapist. Access to these therapies is recommended at a progress review meeting following discussion with professionals involved with the child and parents. Once a recommendation has been made and a referral form completed, the therapist will assess the child for eligibility and will inform parents and other professionals of the outcome of the assessment.
Therapies complement the curriculum at Russet House and therapists communicate and share information regularly with classroom staff and parents.
The maintenance officer lives on site and plays an important role in ensuring a safe environment for the children as well as offering valuable practical support for everyone in the school.
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Parents and Russet House School
We believe that parents are the most important people in their child’s life and we have a strong commitment to working closely with parents to maximise children’s progress.
As many of the children come to school by local authority transport, contact is mainly conducted through:
- home/school books in which staff and parents can regularly share information about their child at home and school.
- telephone calls.
- informal visits to the classroom.
- formal reviews of progress.
There is a parents’ room at the school which has information on a wide range of services and other useful literature.
Parents’ groups meet regularly. These may be informal coffee morning meetings, discussion groups focusing on specific issues as identified by parents, workshops or talks by other professionals.
We have a Home-School Liaison teacher who is available to advise on a wide range of issues relating to autism, including behaviour management. We also run Early Bird Training Sessions for parents who wish to gain a deeper understanding of autism.
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Inclusion
We have strong links with many nursery and primary schools in Enfield and some of our pupils attend these schools on a sessional or part-time basis.
Particularly strong links exist with an adjoining nursery, infant and junior school. We organise joint musical and sporting activities with them and some of our children join lessons either as part of their assessment or to interact socially within a larger group.
The school also funds an Outreach teacher who advises staff in other schools in Enfield about teaching pupils with autism.
The Outreach teacher and Deputy Headteacher provide borough-wide training for staff working with pupils with autism.
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Sex Education
At Russet House pupils receive sex education appropriate to their age, needs and developmental levels. At all times our sex education teaching stresses social, ethical and health issues. Prior to formal sex education lessons in Year 6, parents will be informed and may visit the school to view materials and discuss relevant issues.
Parents who wish to withdraw their child from sex education lessons should put their request in writing to the Headteacher.
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Religious Education
The school is not affiliated to any religion or denomination. The school's religious education is of a broadly Christian nature but all religions are respected and valued. We aim to recognise and celebrate special holidays and feast days in all religions but especially those represented in the school population.
A parent or carer has the right to withdraw a child from religious education. This can be done by writing to the Headteacher and making their wishes known.
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School Transport
Transport to and from school is provided by the London Borough of Enfield according to set criteria i.e.
- a child under 8 must live 2 miles or more from the school
- a child over 8 must live 3 miles or more from the school.
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School Meals
Although our meals are not cooked on site, we offer a varied menu and can cater for special diets, including gluten-free and caseine-free.
All staff are involved at lunchtime, as it is considered an important part of our teaching day.
Meals are served in the school hall and are offered at the current LEA charge.
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School Uniform
We have a school uniform consisting of jogging bottoms, sweatshirt and polo shirt. Although our uniform is not compulsory, many pupils prefer to wear it as it signifies that they are going to school. Uniform can be ordered via the school office.
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Educational Visits
The school operates a number of activities that enrich the curriculum and are enjoyed by all the children. These activities include outings and visits from local theatre groups and musicians. The cost of these activities is met by voluntary contributions made by parents/carers, with any shortfall in funds paid for by the Friends of Russet House.
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Absence from School
It is expected that family holidays will be taken during school holidays. However, in exceptional circumstances, families wishing to absent their child from school during term-time should seek permission in writing from the Headteacher. The legal maximum time allowed for this type of absence is two weeks per academic year.
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Complaints Procedure
We initially ask parents to see their child’s class teacher about any problem that has arisen regarding their child.
If the problem remains unresolved, parents are welcome to see the Headteacher. Should they remain dissatisfied, parents should contact the Chair of Governors.
We aim to deal with all complaints swiftly and with sensitivity.
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Arrangements for Visits
Visits to the school are welcome and can be arranged by ringing the school office.
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