High Grange Special School

High Grange School provides day education for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and associated learning, communication, sensory and behavioural difficulties. High Grange School is approved by the Secretary of State as an independent specialist school. Boys and girls with ASD, aged between 5 and 19, are referred by local authorities from all over the country and are able to attend the school.

The school aims to create a safe and enjoyable environment which is sensitive to individual needs, interests and preferences; where pupils are enabled to learn, grow and develop independence so that they can lead happy, enriched and purposeful lives. High Grange School is purpose-built and has been specifically designed to address the complex needs of children and young people who have ASD. Special emphasis has been given to providing the best possible facilities in an environment which emphasises security, structure and predictability, enabling pupils to learn and grow. The school opened in Mickleover, Derby in June 2011. It has a low eco-footprint and is situated in a safe and tranquil semi-rural setting, close to the city, with excellent transport links.

During the school day pupils have access to a varied and stimulating curriculum which is complemented by enrichment and extension activities. The Classes are grouped by Key Stage and pupils are taught in small groups of up to 6. Teachers use detailed planning to ensure each individual is enabled to achieve in all areas. Classrooms are well-equipped and include specialist facilities for Music, Art & Design, D&T, Science, Computer Science and ICT, Food Technology and Performing Arts. High Grange has excellent PE facilities, including a swimming pool, large gymnasium, hard court areas and extensive grassed areas.

At High Grange School, the multi-disciplinary team around the young person collaborates with families and specialists from external agencies to ensure that all individual needs are met. We also have a dedicated family liaison person, who, along with nominated key-workers, plays a pivotal role in pupils’ overall well-being as well as in home-school communication and liaison. Medical oversight is provided by the school’s full-time nurse.

Staff attend twice daily hand-over meetings with senior staff and specialist therapists to exchange information on each pupil's welfare. The school has designated staff with specific responsibilities in Health and Safety, family liaison and safeguarding. If necessary, pupils are also able to access support from specialist therapists, counselors and the school’s Clinical Psychologist. Pupils are able to voice concerns and to make suggestions for school improvement to senior staff through the Student Council which meets regularly.

The school has a large team of well-qualified and experienced staff, all of whom have received induction on working with pupils who have ASD and additional training on specialist ASD topics delivered by Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Educational Psychology. Staff have also completed a series of training workshops on mental health issues and other conditions associated with ASD, led by the school's Consulting Clinical Psychologist.

All staff have been trained in Team Teach de-escalation strategies. The school has 2 advanced Team Teach trainers on staff. Medical oversight of pupils is provided by a full-time school nurse. All staff are able to consult with or seek advice from these specialists, as needed. Where required, specialist staff are registered with professional associations and licensing bodies such as The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

To meet individual needs and to facilitate access to the curriculum, pupils have direct access to a range of therapies, as required. These include: Speech, Language and Communication Therapy, Occupational Therapy (including Sensory Integration), Clinical Psychology support and Individual Counselling.

The school opened in June 2011 and has been purpose-built to meet the needs of children and young people who have ASD. Classrooms are well-equipped and include specialist facilities for Music, Art & Design, D&T, Science, Computer Science and ICT, Food Technology and Performing Arts. High Grange has excellent PE facilities, including a swimming pool, large gymnasium, hard court areas and extensive grassed areas.

High Grange School values close working partnerships with parents and expects a reasonable level of family commitment to supporting and maintaining its programmes and approach in order to help maximise pupil progression. School reports detailing pupil progress are produced at the end of each academic year and parents are encouraged to have input into target setting and to give their views on progress at regular review meetings with staff.

High Grange School prides itself on its transition planning. The school has a proven track record of re-engaging pupils in learning and improving their school attendance.

Following admission, it places special emphasis on raising pupils’ awareness of their emotional and behavioural responses and on developing their social and life-skills. Pupils learn important self-advocacy skills, receive careers advice and guidance, and are supported to participate in: Vocational courses, Local College courses, Work-related Learning (in-house & external job sites), Leisure Skills programmes, Personal & Self-help skills programmes, The Duke of Edinburgh and Prince’s Trust Award schemes, The Certificate of Personal Effectiveness

High Grange School provides a specialised environment and opportunities for pupils with ASD to enjoy, achieve, grow and develop the skills they need in order to live as independently as possible, make real life choices and lead enriched and happy lives. Through regular progress reviews, student views and aspirations are discussed and strategies and supports are developed in order to enable them to make plans for the future.

You can get in touch with the school by calling 01332 412777, emailing admission@highgrangeschool.co.uk, or writing to High Grange School, Hospital Lane, Mickleover, Derby, DE3 0DR.

We regularly update our website, www.highgrangeschool.co.uk and Facebook page www.facebook.com/HighGrange

You should contact your local authority if you wish to consider a placement at an independent special school, such as High Grange.