The role of education is seen as critical and embraces a wide range of academic, vocational, therapeutic and leisure activities. The school provides access to the National Curriculum and a range of external examinations are offered at various levels. There is a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy and a Learning Support Team has the specific brief of enhancing attainment. Individual Learning Programmes are written where required to ensure that all children achieve to their full potential.

Aims

Cedar House School is committed to the education of young people. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum which is consistent with the requirements of the National Curriculum. Our pupils present with complex social, emotional and behavioural difficulties; the small class groupings, together with a high pupil to staff ratio, ensures their educational progress and personal development. One of the key areas of education must be to empower us all to respond positively to the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Cedar House aims to

• provide opportunities for pupils to learn and achieve.
• promote pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
• prepare young people to progress to their next stage of development, be it education, employment or training, with enthusiasm, motivation and optimism for the future.
• encourage the development of independent young people equipped with the skills and qualities to make a positive contribution to society.

Accomodation

Cedar House School provides excellent standards of facilities. There have been extensive improvements in the fabric of the building with 10 general classrooms. Pupils are taught in small class groups with a maximum of 8 pupils per class.

There are specialist subject-teaching areas which have been furnished to the highest standards. All classrooms have networked internet access.

"I have always found the atmosphere at the school very positive, accepting, child-centered and conducive to achievement in the widest sense." Children's Services

Curriculum

The School is divided into three:

• Key Stage 2 (age 7 – 11)
• Key Stage 3 (age 11 – 14)
• Key Stage 4 (age 14 – 16)

All pupils have access to the National Curriculum core subjects of English, Maths and Science. The foundation subjects are also offered at the various Key Stages.

These subjects include:

• ICT
• Geography
• History
• Beliefs and Values
• Citizenship
• Art
• PE
• Outdoor Education
• Careers
• Food Technology

Pupils are taught in small class groups (maximum 8 pupils). A teaching assistant is usually attached to classes to ensure a high level of staff support for individuals.

Pupils who have specific learning difficulties with literacy receive an Individual Learning Programme on a regular 1:1 basis with a teaching assistant.

At Key Stage 2 pupils are in an integrated day class where most of the curriculum is delivered by a designated class teacher. We follow the National Strategies programmes . At Key Stages 3 and 4 pupils are taught by specialist subject teachers.

At Key Stage 4 a range of qualifications are offered:

• GCSE
• Entry Level Certificate
• AQA Units of Accreditation
• ASDAN Unit Award Scheme
• Key Skills and Basic Functional skills

"I like the way that we are involved in my son's schooling.  The staff at the school are very professional, and listen to us as parents.  They have taken the time and trouble to get to know my son and how he works.  That is something that we have never had before.  Full marks to Cedar House.  Only wish we have got a place with you for him years ago!"  Parent