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A New Way
At Undershaw we have small class sizes, a personal approach to welfare and pastoral care, and a supportive and relaxing environment where each student can thrive, make lasting friendships and achieve their best.
Undershaw is an independent specialist school where children from Year 3 to Post 16 with mild to moderate learning difficulties and additional needs, such as ASD, cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, and medical vulnerabilities can access the national curriculum and qualification pathways in a safe, secure, and friendly environment.
Many of our students have found the pace of mainstream schooling particularly challenging and may have experienced barriers within their educational journey.
”As a school our role is to transition our young people into a world where they can be economically and socially engaged.
Gemma BriggsDeputy Headteacher (Pastoral)
A strong Special Educational Needs (SEN) philosophy is the heart of everything we do. We understand how additional needs are often challenging in a school setting and the potential barriers posed by traditional schooling for those with SEND. We have tailored our school environment to address these needs.
Teaching and Learning
each child has a class teacher and comprehensive pastoral teaching assistance. We also have a team of Specialist Subject Teachers, Pastoral Support Teaching Assistants, and Subject Specialist Teaching Assistants. We have a maximum of 8 children per class group to allow for the organic development of friendships, peer support, and individual pastoral care.
Integrated Therapy
We operate a fully integrated Therapy Programme to support each student’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). We offer a comprehensive range of physical and emotional therapies to complement the health and welfare of all our students. Therapy is integrated into the timetable, takes place in our dedicated Therapy Centre, and is delivered by a team of leading practitioners.
Learning Dens
In place of classrooms, Undershaw students have Learning Dens. This ensures that the children can stay in their own ‘home’ as much as possible. We have a suite of specialist spaces available to furnish the curriculum e.g. a bespoke Arts and Music Centre, IT suite and Media Studio, to mention a few.
We are child centric
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We are for access to a quality education free of discrimination.
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We recruit staff of the highest calibre.
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We have leading therapists.
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We thread employability and life skills throughout school life.
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We are supported by trailblazing Charitable Foundations and a passionate Governing Board.
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We have Discovery Days and Learning Dens (no classrooms here!)
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We are Undershaw.