Special Needs

Glenoaks > Special Needs

At Glenoaks Academy, we celebrate the unique strengths and abilities of every learner through our inclusive approach to education. Our Academy houses our special needs stream and is designed to support learners who require an adapted and alternative approach to learning, different from traditional academic methods. 

The Academy offers a nurturing and supportive environment, where programs are often personalised, and where we recognise and build upon each learner’s individual areas of strength. Our goal is to empower each learner to reach their full potential, cultivating the practical skills and confidence necessary for a successful and fulfilling adult life.

JUNIOR ACADEMY

The Junior Academy is a vibrant learning community designed to empower students aged 6 to 13 with special educational needs. Our innovative curriculum is tailored for those who may find the ‘traditional classroom’ setting challenging.

In the Junior Academy, we recognise and celebrate the unique strengths of each learner, understanding that their chronological and developmental ages may vary significantly. We prioritise a learning environment that allows them to progress according to their abilities and at their own pace. Practical tasks are a key focus, showcasing the diverse areas of strength our learners may possess. A positive learning environment is created in which functional skills for daily living within each individual’s abilities is fostered, and where every learner can flourish, embracing their unique journey towards personal success. For our older learners in the Junior Academy, there are exciting opportunities for project-based learning, preparing them for in-house work experiences.

Our tailored curriculum consists of subjects in three core learning areas:

Functional Life Skills

  • Community Based Learning
  • Social Communication Skills
  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Physical Education

Academic Skills

  • Functional Mathematics and English

Vocational Skills

  • Hospitality 
  • World of Work
  • Craftsmanship and Enterprise
  • Environmental Studies and Sustainability

THERAPY IN THE JUNIOR ACADEMY

Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Therapy and Physiotherapy are an integral part of the Junior Academy programme. Occupational Therapy is offered on both an individual and group basis, addressing postural, gross motor, fine motor, and visual perceptual development, as well as sensory processing. We place a special emphasis on activities of daily living and work skills. 

Speech-Language Therapy is also offered on both an individual and group basis, with individual sessions focusing on social and cognitive-communication difficulties, thereby aiding interpersonal communication skills and the achievement of individualised goals. 

Physiotherapy takes place in a weekly group and is aimed at improving our learners’ physical wellbeing by involving the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. We work on strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and endurance. This in turn improves the children’s motor skills, their ability to participate more fully in school and social activities and increases their sense of self-esteem.

SENIOR ACADEMY

The Senior Academy is a progressive learning environment catering for learners aged 13 to 18 whose abilities and needs are not met in a mainstream or remedial setting. The Senior Academy provides learners with a sense of purpose and self-worth, with a focus on the essential skills needed to facilitate more independence, societal engagement and employability. 

Learning across subject areas is practical so that learners experience an end goal that is tangible. Building a learner’s independence, confidence, self-esteem and emotional maturity is fundamental to our outcomes.

The Senior Academy aims to prepare learners for meaningful employment, and work experiences and opportunities are based on a learner’s independence and required support. Those suited for open labour market employment progress through the Independent Vocational Program, engaging in tailored work experiences at external companies with the support of a Glenoaks job coach. Alternatively, learners needing more concentrated assistance join the Supported Vocational Program, focusing on in-house project-based work experience where continuous individualised guidance and supervision is provided

Our creatively crafted curriculum focuses on four core learning areas:

Life Skills

  • Community Based Learning
  • Social Communication Skills 
  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Physical Education
  • World Knowledge and Current Affairs

Academic Skills

  • Functional Mathematics and English
  • Accredited Learnerships (NQF1 and NQF2)
  • ASDAN Bronze and Silver International Award Programs from the UK-based Preparing for Adulthood curriculum

Vocational Skills

  • Hospitality 
  • Craftsmanship and Enterprise 
  • Environmental and Sustainability Studies 
  • Computers and Administration

Subjects are interconnected and based on a business model, fostering learners’ understanding of work purpose and project completion. They’re encouraged to grasp the broader business context and appreciate the significance of each role within a team. While future work experience placements extend beyond the vocational subjects we offer, assessing learners in these lessons offers valuable insight into their strengths and work preferences. 

Learners also produce sellable products across subjects, developing essential work and business skills such as following instructions, meeting deadlines, and collaborating effectively. Developing appropriate behaviour and communication skills, they also cultivate responsibility and endurance. Additionally, they gain hands-on sales experience, covering advertising, order management, stock, quality control, and customer service. Money management and performance assessment further enhance their understanding of business operations.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Independent Vocational Program (Open Labour Market goal) – younger learners participate in internal contract or project-based work, and older learners benefit from external work experience placements aligned to their strengths, abilities, and areas of interest. Learners are gaining exposure to a variety of industries and businesses including retail; IT; beauty; manufacturing; education; hospitality; sport; robotics and many more.

Supported Vocational Program (Sheltered Employment goal) – all learners participate in internal contract or project-based work where tasks and responsibilities are allocated according to learner’s capabilities and support needs.

Through the work experience program learners gain the skills required for entry-level jobs, with emphasis on appropriate and positive social skills and attitudes required in the workplace, as well as the acquisition of specific job-related skills. 

Job coaching is provided to learners participating in work experience, and if further training or employment opportunities exist for a graduate, those are facilitated and supported by the Senior Academy.

We are proud that most graduates from the Independent Vocational Program have been offered employment opportunities in the open labour market because of their significant growth and success through the work experience program.

THERAPY IN THE SENIOR ACADEMY

Vocationally based Occupational Therapy support is provided to all learners in the classroom and at work experience to assist with effective task completion, overcoming barriers to participation, building physical and mental endurance, and practising appropriate social skills.

Psychotherapy is available to Senior Academy learners on an individual basis and provides emotional support and practical tools to learners navigating life challenges.