Special Educational Needs in European Schools :: The Kingfisher Community Special School

SCHOOL DESCRIPTION Kingfisher Community Special School

The Kingfisher Community Special School is a primary School for pupils with severe and complex needs aging between 2 – 11 years old.

Access to the curriculum:
- Pupils can learn through sensory means.
- The school operates a Total Communication environment.
- Many classes are structured to meet the needs of pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Specialisms:
- Kingfisher is an Eco School.
- Kingfisher has the DfES / British Council ‘International School Award’.
- All pupils have access to Drama and Expressive Arts.

School Structure:
- 96 pupils
- 60 staff

Multi-professional Partnerships within School:
- Teachers
- Teaching Assistants
- Higher Level Teaching Assistants
- Personal Care Assistants
- Nursing staff
- Speech Therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Music Therapist

European Co-operation:
2004-2007 - Comenius 1 RECSPEN 2 - School Development Project with partner special schools from Romania and The Netherlands.
See more: www.special-education.hum.ro

ACTIVITIES IN COMENIUS SENSES MULTILATERAL PARTNERSHIP 2007-2009
We are the central SENSES coordinator.
We aim to continue to embed the International Dimension within our curriculum, to broaden the horizons and perspectives of our pupils to ensure that they are able to become Global Citizens.
We have seen the massive impact that our previous partnerships have had on the Continuing Professional Development and confidence of our staff and we wish to continue and increase this benefit.
We hope to benefit from the expertise and experiences of our partner schools in special educational techniques, and we wish to act as a centre within the UK to direct our partners to examples of good practice.

As a central co-ordinating institution Kingfisher is collecting dissemination of materials and ensuring communication, directing partners to examples of excellence and good practice within the UK.
Our strong points:
- Moving and handling techniques
- Communication aids
- Personal care
- Experience in working with ASD
- Brain Gym methods
- Outdoor education
- Sustainability
- Educational Links / Inclusion
- Curriculum
- Parent links
- ICT – links with inclusive technology
- Expressive performing arts

Our focus points – focus points in motilities and project activities:
- Conductive education
- Inclusion
- Hydrotherapy and Halliwick method
- Massage
- Horse riding
- Parent links
- Cultural traditions
- Languages
- Video conferencing
- ICT
- Early Years Education
- Multi professional relationship

CONTACT DATA
Address: Foxdenton Lane, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 9QR, United Kingdom
Telephone: 0044 (0)161 284 5335
Fax: 0044 (0)161 284 5338
E-mail address: info (at) kingfisher.oldham.sch.uk
Headteacher: Mrs. Anne Redmond

Comenius team coordinators:
- Mrs. Patricia Ayrton, email: tricia.ayrton (at) googlemail.com
- Mr. David Mercer, email: d_mercer (at) tiscali.co.uk