School discipline
The ethos of the school is one of mutual concern and respect for others. There is a positive emphasis on praise and encouragement. Naturally we have rules - no society can function happily without them - and we expect these rules to be kept. Wilful flouting of the rules is most likely to be countered by loss of privileges. As one would expect in a school of this sort, antisocial behaviour often springs from frustration brought on by a child's severe communication disorder. When this is thought to be the case, staff meet to discuss the best way to help lessen frustration so that standards of acceptable behaviour may be achieved.
The school has a system of awards for senior pupils, who may be awarded bronze, silver and gold levels. A graduated system of responsibilities and privileges operates, to foster the development of responsive, caring individuals who are happy with themselves and willing and able to help others. For younger pupils, we have an achievement book, in which we record significant attainments. The entries from the book are read out and remarked upon at an assembly, shortly after the achievement has been publicly recognised.
Statement of Values
At Moor House School we believe in the value of communication and the right of all language-impaired children to an education that will prepare them for life as confident and independent members of society.
We seek to develop communication skills which will allow learners to express:
- Their feelings openly and without fear
- Their ideas coherently and assertively
- Their hopes and aspirations confidently and with conviction
To understand and appreciate:
- The beauty and meaning of the spoken and written word
- The joy of friendship and human relations
- Themselves as individuals, the community in which they live, and the wider world around them
Equal opportunities
Moor House School has an equal opportunities policy which provides that all pupils and staff are afforded equal opportunities in every aspect of school life, irrespective of their gender, marital status, race, religion, creed, colour, disability, ethnic origin or age.
Moor House School is sensitive to the religious, cultural, ethnic, linguistic backgrounds and beliefs of its pupils. With regard to religion, we welcome pupils of all faiths and we will always do our best to meet different requirements regarding religious observance and practice. Though parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious education and collective worship, we feel that participation of the whole school at assemblies and such occasions as the annual Christmas Celebration is of benefit to us all.
Statement of Purpose
Moor House School is a residential school which is nationally recognised in providing for the needs of pupils with severe specific speech and language impairment. The multi-disciplinary staff is committed to:
(i) working co-operatively and consistently with colleagues across disciplines, thereby providing integrated support for pupils on a twenty-four hour basis.
(ii) providing specialised professional expertise to help pupils realise their optimum potential in: speech, language and communication skills, independence and the educational, physical, emotional, aesthetic and social aspects of their lives.
(iii) delivering, in small class groups, a broad, balanced, differentiated curriculum, which addresses the needs of individual pupils, and giving appropriate access to the national curriculum.
(iv) undertaking regular, comprehensive assessments of pupils' achievements and needs. Keeping appropriate records, identifying deficits, devising and implementing individual programmes and reporting regularly on pupils' progress.
(v) providing an intensive individualised programme of specialist speech and language therapy input for every pupil at Moor House School, delivered directly in one to one sessions and group work as well as integrated into the curriculum through joint planning and delivery.
(vi) providing intensive occupational therapy packages which include both direct, group and classroom based input, integrated into the learning environment as appropriate through joint planning and delivery.
(vii) maintaining Moor House School as a national Centre of Excellence for children with communication disorders, through resourcing, training and research; developing and maintaining links with professionals outside Moor House School.
(viii) disseminating information and undertaking staff training as well as the training of visiting professionals and students.
(ix) developing and maintaining links with the local community to provide a broad range of opportunities for all.
(x) providing all pupils with a positive experience of school by creating a caring, supportive environment, where everyone is treated with respect and where achievements are recognised.
(xi) helping each pupil to develop a positive, accurate self-image, whilst identifying realistic goals. Heightening each pupil's social awareness and encouraging appropriate, positive behaviour at all times.
(xii) providing pupils with pastoral care and support and encouraging pupils to be supportive of one another.
(xiii) developing in each pupil: self-confidence, self-esteem, self-respect, and respect for others.
(xiv) nurturing the spiritual and moral welfare of all pupils, whilst respecting their belief, and celebrating cultural diversity.
(xv) preparing, in liaison with parents and Local Education Authorities, each pupil for transfer from Moor House School at the appropriate time, to facilitate their smooth transition and their continued progress.
(xvi) providing parents with necessary support and encouraging them to work in partnership with the school.
(xvii) providing within the school a safe and healthy environment for all.
(xviii) valuing and respecting every member of the school community and providing equal opportunities for all.