Swalcliffe Park School

The school is guided by a 'Quality of Life' (QoL) framework, which prioritizes the voices of students and families to inform individual support plans. This approach is rooted in the work of researcher Robert Schalock and emphasizes evidence-based practice, trauma-informed care, and continuous improvement. The school's core values are reliability, respect, responsiveness, and reflection.

The curriculum offers a blend of academic, vocational, and therapeutic support, with class sizes capped at six students supported by a teacher and a learning support assistant. The 'Independence Plus' curriculum serves as a core thread throughout the student journey, mapping directly to EHCP outcomes and preparation for adulthood. The school also provides outreach training for local schools and colleges.

The school maintains a consistent record of 'Outstanding' Ofsted ratings for both its education and residential provision. It focuses on measurable outcomes across four key areas: Communication, Self-Management, Independence, and Achievement. The curriculum includes preparation for adulthood and various academic and vocational qualifications, with pathways available for transition to local mainstream Sixth Form and Further Education colleges.

The school employs a multi-disciplinary team including three full-time Speech and Language Therapists, two Clinical Psychologists, an Assistant Psychologist, a Therapy Support Worker, and three Occupational Therapists. This team provides an integrated therapeutic model that supports students' wellbeing and development. Additionally, every student is assigned a dedicated keyworker who acts as an advocate and meets with them weekly.

The school accepts referrals throughout the year for students aged 10-19. The four-stage admissions process includes an initial referral, an informal school look-around, a three-day school-based assessment visit, and a six-week transition period ending with a Post Entry Review. All prospective students must have an autism diagnosis and an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

The school operates on a three-term academic year (Autumn, Spring, and Summer). Terms typically begin in early September, early January, and mid-April, with half-term breaks in October, February, and May/June. The school provides a multi-year calendar covering through 2028, including specific start times and staff training days.

Located on a 23-acre parkland site in Oxfordshire, the campus is designed to be autism-friendly, with specific attention given to sensory factors like lighting, noise, and temperature. Residential students live in one of four houses, each featuring en-suite bedrooms with keycard entry and communal lounges. The school also provides specialized teaching spaces and IT facilities, with dining organized in small groups to reduce sensory overload.

The school offers a range of enrichment activities, including access to the Spiceball leisure facilities to promote healthy and active lifestyles. Students have opportunities for large group activities, outdoor exploration in the school's woods, and various community-based activities designed to promote independence.