HEART
"...provision that goes beyond..."
HEART
HEART, our Health, Education, Assessment and Revitalising Therapy department, was redefined in September 2016 in a response to meet an ever-increasing need from Local Authorities to find school placements for youngsters with significant mental health difficulties. It now comprises approximately 35 of our most vulnerable students, who for one reason or another, there is a greater need for particularly close monitoring and supervision, where extensive access to our therapeutic services may be required, or where a great deal of additional managerial input is required. A typical HEART student joins us in Years 9, 10 or 11 and can remain with us until Year 15. They are generally academically able, but may have spent some time in hospital so are behind with their learning. In HEART we are fortunate to be able to treat each student as an individual and exams are taken when the young person is ready rather than because of their chronological age.
HEART students have access to, and benefit from, the following provision that goes beyond that generally available to students funded on our basic fees. At present, we offer the following:
- A calm and nurturing environment with access to a designated suite of rooms that allows them to study in areas where they can feel secure and relaxed.
- A key worker who is given dedicated time to ensure close and effective liaison between all those involved in their care and support (Please note this is not a 1:1).
- Prompt access to specific therapeutic support as and when necessary. This includes Counselling, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Play Therapy, Integrative Child Psychotherapy, Dungeons and Dragons, Complementary Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapy.
- All provision is overseen by the Head of HEART and Therapy who leads communication with other professionals both within and outside of school.
- The day-to-day smooth running of the department is overseen by the HEART Manager, supported by the Assistant HEART Manager.
- Access to a fully flexible curriculum which is designed specifically to meet individual needs and interests. This is overseen by the HEART Curriculum Manager supported by the HEART teachers.
- In addition to the core subjects (English, Maths and Science), a wide choice of options is available, including: Art, Textiles, IT, Creative Media, Music, History, Catering, Performing Arts, PE, Beauty, and Forest School. All HEART students also have the opportunity to develop a range of life skills such as cooking and using public transport, and have the opportunity to gain a qualification in ASDAN.
- Our older students have a choice of attending college by transferring to our 6th Form if they are ready; alternatively, we offer BTECs (Levels 2 and 3) in Art/Textiles, Music, IT, and Creative Media on-site.