FAQ

Advice to parent/carers:

The process of finding a new school can be challenging and at times confusing. We hope this will help.

  • The system can be slow – please be patient with your SEN officers – it is a difficult job and it can be a lengthy process
  • Look at a range of schools – it will help you identify what you want.
  • Think about the priorities you have for your child and find a school that best meets these priorities.
  • Trust your gut – you know what is best for your child. Look at the interactions between staff and pupils and try to pick up on the underlying ethos and culture of a school.

Frequently asked questions

What is a therapeutic school? -
A therapeutic school is one which draws upon the expertise of a range of therapists across disciplines, operates according to therapeutic principles and is informed by therapeutic practices.
The purpose of a therapeutic education is to support a child’s emotional and academic progress symbiotically, chunked into bespoke stages appropriate to the whole child. Stone Lodge Therapeutic School draw upon the expertise of its therapy team, whilst delivering a consistent therapeutic approach delivered using evidence-based programmes. In addition to our embedded approach, all pupils will receive therapeutically informed interventions some pupils will receive direct therapy interventions. The specific interventions and therapy input is determined by individual assessed need and will be set out in a child’s EHCP. One of the biggest strengths of Stone Lodge Therapeutic School is in our outlook – we do not look at the surface behaviour but look at why it is happening – we deal with the cause as well as the symptoms to help the child be ready for adult life.

What will my child learn? -
The curriculum is flexible, and tailored to children as individuals, but we expect all pupils to complete GCSE or Functional Skills qualifications (GCSE equivalent) in English, maths and science plus additional qualifications in chosen subjects including humanities, catering, computer science, PHSE, art and PE.
Some pupils also study vocational subjects according to their interests and aspirations– this can include a wide range of bespoke qualifications including motor vehicle, horse riding and construction.
All pupils also complete outdoor education sessions, tailored to delivering incidental and direct learning to pupils who can struggle in traditional and formal learning situations. Our outdoor learning programmes are designed to teach life skills whilst developing character, resilience and increasing the confidence of our pupils.

What if my child has missed a lot of school and is behind their peers? -
Many children start at Stone Lodge Therapeutic School with an inconsistent education history. Upon entry their learning levels will be assessed through a mixture of teacher assessment and standardised assessments where appropriate and a bespoke learning plan will be created to plug any gaps the child may have and enable them to catch up.

What are the school hours? -
The school hours are 8.50am to 3pm.

How will my child get to the school? -
Transport assistance can be applied for from the Local Authority in which the child resides. Typically, children are transported via taxi. We recognise that some children have difficulties with travelling or with separating from their safe adults at home. In these situations, the school can provide a bespoke travel training programme which can include school staff travelling with the child in the first instance.

Do the pupils wear uniform? -
We do not have a school uniform. We recognise that for some children school uniforms can trigger memories of previous negative experiences and can be a barrier to school attendance, additionally many of our children have sensory challenges which makes wearing certain materials prohibitive. It is important to us that our pupils feel comfortable in the school community. We do ask that parents ensure that pupils come to school with clothing which is appropriate for weather conditions.

Does the school have post 16 pupils? -
The school does not offer a post-16 curriculum, its goal is to prepare pupils to confidently move on to the next phase of education or training at the end of Year 11. We recognise that due to previously missed education opportunities, it might be challenging for some pupils to catch up and achieve this, thus the school is registered to 17 to allow pupils to stay for an additional year to achieve their qualifications.

If you have any other queries, please contact the school – we will be happy to help.

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“I don’t think it is an overstatement to say that Stone Lodge has had a life changing impact not only for my child, but for my whole family. My child faced significant challenges in mainstream secondary; these affected her mental health this impacted on the whole family. To be in an environment where she is known and understood is just amazing. Of course we have ‘bumpy’ days – but these are FAR fewer.”

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“She didn’t even want to go to school before now she can’t wait to go…”

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"For so long I have felt that we have battled with a system that did not work for my child. Everything was a fight and more than once I considered withdrawing my child from education all together. I am so glad I didn’t. We are so lucky to have a place at Stone Lodge. A place where my child’s needs are understood and supported; a place where (finally) my child feels safe enough to learn; a place where my child is actively encouraged to be their true self; a place where learning and emotional well being are recognised as being intertwined and BOTH are prioritised. Thank you”

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“They are an outstanding school and I am over the moon that my son attends this school”