Meadowcroft School is based on the STAR principle, which is basis of the Schools ethos, the aim is to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, which prepares pupils for adult and working life.
Facilities
The primary school children take part in lessons in The Gallery, which also has separate provision for children up to the age of 19 who have very complex needs. The property is a beautiful Georgian House in the centre of Wakefield, with light, airy, spacious classrooms. With no more than six children in any class, they maintain a clam, controlled atmosphere, where children have the space to work independently and in groups. The Gallery also has a peaceful sensory room and play area, where children can come whenever they need time away from the classroom. It also has a fully equipped flat, where they teach older students valuable life skills.
Children aged 11 and above with SEMH as a primary need attend classes at The Hub. They maintain the small class sizes to help children stay calm and focused. They also have some great additional facilities at The Hub including a music room kitted out with a range of instruments and recording equipment, as well as a large gym where children enjoy all sorts of activities including popular rebound therapy trampoline sessions. The older children have a large common room that they helped to decorate themselves with the help of a local artist. The main kitchen, which serves delicious meals, including bacon sandwiches in the morning, is located at The Hub.
The Works is the latest addition; a purpose built site that offers fully accredited vocational courses in Motor Mechanics, Business, Construction, Hair and Beauty, Catering and Health and Social Care. The site is just a few minutes from both The Hub and The Gallery, so students can make the most of the sessions they have here. The tutors will work closely with the rest of the Meadowcroft staff, to respond to the children’s needs and engage them in sessions.
Outdoor learning is an essential part of the curriculum and the allotment provides a great space for children to learn new skills. The children gained a huge sense of achievement from turning what was essentially a wasteland, into a thriving vegetable garden. They love spending time here learning about science, nature and the environment and caring for chickens and rabbits. Of course, they also love eating the produce they have worked so hard to nurture.
Features
Things to note
All the children have complex social, emotional and mental health needs and many have additional severe learning and communication difficulties. Most of the children they care for have struggled to engage in formal education, so their job involves far more than simply providing an engaging and creative setting for them to learn in. They come alongside children, take an interest in their lives and help them to overcome barriers that prevent them engaging in education.
0.72 miles
