Welcome to Wren Spinney School

We support students aged 11 to 18 (Years 7 to 13) with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).

Every student at Wren Spinney School benefits from an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Our students encompass a diverse range of learning needs, including:

• Cognition and Learning Needs:
  • Severe Learning Disabilities (SLD)
  • Profound Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD)

In addition to these primary needs, some students may also experience:

• Communication and Interaction Needs: These can include conditions like autism or challenges related to speech, language, and communication.
• Sensory and/or Physical Needs: This category encompasses a wide range of conditions, from Cerebral Palsy and hearing impairments to multisensory impairments, physical disabilities, or vision impairments.

Cognitive Age

It's important to note that the majority of our students are currently performing below National Curriculum levels. Their cognitive age often falls below 5 years, and many face difficulties in communication and interaction.

Our students with Severe Learning Difficulties, ^{Imray and Colley 2017} consistently perform at or below the initial levels of the National Curriculum. They encounter challenges such as:

• Consistently and over time, working at or below the starting levels of the National Curriculum
• Difficulties with communication
• Difficulties with concentration and attention
• Difficulties with abstract concepts
• Difficulties with short and long-term memory
• Difficulties with sequential memory
• Limited working memory
• Poor general knowledge
• Difficulties with problem-solving
• Difficulties with generalising understanding.

Curriculum Delivery

Given our unique student profile, our curriculum delivery differs significantly from traditional approaches.

We place a strong emphasis on nurturing the skills our students will need as they transition to adulthood.
Our curriculum revolves around communication and Preparing for Adulthood, utilising 'Equals' schemes of work. It comprises several key areas:

• Communication 
• Good Health
• Friends, Relationships and Community
• Independent Living
• Future Destinations

We don't offer conventional maths and English lessons. Instead, our students learn essential English (Communication) and maths skills within the framework of our curriculum, tailored to their individual cognitive levels.

The Golden Thread

At Wren Spinney, the majority of pupils are working consistently below the National Curriculum with an average cognitive age level below 5 years old.

The curriculum is extended for learners working at a cognitive age level of above 5 years, by providing access sessions. E.g. Phonics, Reading, Enterprise.

We understand that each learner is unique, so we adapt our approach in a variety of ways to meet individual needs.

Our unwavering commitment is to provide a high-quality educational provision that caters to the unique needs of each student. We believe in building strong relationships that empower students with essential skills for life.

Sensory Learning

To support the abilities of our learners, a key aspect of our teaching is sensory learning. You can read more about how sensory learning works here. 

Therapies

We offer a wide range of on-site therapies, including:

• Occupational Therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Speech and language therapy
• Pastoral support

See full list

This ensures that every student receives what they need for their holistic development.