Aims

Ridgeway School Aims and Ethos

   The aims of Ridgeway School are the same as for all other schools:

1	To enlarge pupils’ knowledge, experience and imaginative understanding, enabling them to reach their full potential and take control of their lives.
2	To enable an individual to enter the world after formal education is over as an active   member of the community achieving as much independence as possible.
Ridgeway, however, is unique in the way these aims are realised and the balance that
is achieved between the pupil’s physical programmes and the other aspects of
the learning environment.

These aims are met by creating an environment that is challenging and stimulating, with the pupil actively involved in her/his own learning. The staff ,pupils and parents act in a positive partnership to promote the greatest possible opportunities for learning.  In this way, each pupil is willing to strive for success but, at the same time, is realistic about her/his achievements, operating at an appropriate level.

 

At Ridgeway School we look at the whole person, planning programmes to meet the intellectual, social, physical and emotional needs of each pupil.  These needs are most effectively met by pursuing a child-centred approach which is undertaken by a team of professional people.  Each professional makes a special contribution, brought about by individual training and expertise, but all are united in the common purpose of supporting the pupil in pursuit of the greatest possible independence.   

Ethos 

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 Our pupils have:

 

1	Physical and/or medical disabilities
2.	Associated learning difficulties, either arising out of the physical difficulties or existing alongside them.
3.	To strive to maximise potential in all aspects of     their  development  by  using an holistic approach.

Our culture has:

            1.         An expectation that, regardless of age, ability and physical

                        difficulties, the pupils will move toward their highest level of

                        independence in thought and action.

            2.         A climate in which a positive self image can flourish.  This is

                        underpinned by values of positive self worth, optimism and  tolerance.         3.         A purposeful and challenging environment.
            4.         The development of self advocacy in all our pupils.
Our collaboration is characterised by:

            1.         A multidisciplinary approach involving parents, teachers,

                        nursery nurses, therapists, psychologist, medical staff

                        and other appropriate support agencies.    

2.        The existence of a peer group that provides a source identity. 3.         Integration programmes that allow the movement of the pupils             to the most appropriate environment as needs demand.

                        This can be a two way process into our school and out to other schools.

Our community involves:

            1.         A partnership with parents in school and in the home.

            2.         Local schools, with Ridgeway acting as a resource for

                        equipment, expertise and training.

            3.         An involvement in the world beyond school, e.g. to enhance

                        the worth of physically disabled pupils in the community.

Our curriculum has: