Hampshire Autistic Society - Pre-16 Residential Education Services

Hope Lodge is a residential school offering specific support in the care and education of students of both sexes between the ages of 6 and 19 who are described as having an autistic spectrum disorder or similar needs. Our pupils have associated learning difficulties and some may display inappropriate and/or challenging behaviours.

The school currently offers 13 day places and 33 residential places to pre 16 students. Most of our residential places are weekly, although a small number of termly places are available. Students are accommodated at The Lodge (weekly) The Cottage (weekly) and Whitworth Crescent (termly).

The Hope Lodge School Prospectus is available for download by right clicking the button below and select 'Save Target As...'. You will need to have Adobe Acrobat reader software installed on your computer to view this file. If you don't already have Adobe Acrobat reader software, you can download it for free by clicking the link below.

Our latest Ofsted report can be found by clicking here:
www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/index.cfm?fuseaction=summary&id=116572&bar=no

The school site is located in a quiet residential area in Bitterne, Southampton. The accommodation comprises of 6 classrooms, a music room, an art/technology room, a teaching kitchen, a hall, a library and various other rooms which are used for small group work, private study and quiet rooms for individuals.

Students are grouped according to Key Stage and ability. Classes vary in size from 6-8 students placed according to need and complexity. This gives students an opportunity to develop relationships and tolerance of others. It also allows for natural peer groups to form. The school gives access to the full National Curriculum at an appropriate level through knowledge and skill based learning. This learning continues out of 'taught time' and an extended curriculum allows for the generalisation of skill and consolidation. In order for students to reach their potential we offer a structured, broad and balanced curriculum within a calm, consistent and purposeful environment. We aim to provide experiences and teach skills that will enable our pupils to develop as much independence as possible and prepare them to live happily within the community.

Hope Lodge School offers a secure and predictable environment, in which all staff follow a consistent approach to behaviour management where pupils are encouraged to develop strategies for self management and coping with change. Through positive intervention all pupils have the opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate achievement and develop enhanced self esteem.

Access to the community is seen as an important part of our student's development and trips to support learning are scheduled on a weekly basis. Students are also encouraged, where appropriate, to attend services at our local church at certain points in the year. Religious instruction takes place as part of the taught curriculum and festivals are often used as a focus for holiday themes.

We have high expectations geared to each individual and are committed to helping our students reach their full potential. We also want students to have a voice within the establishment, and we give opportunities for a range of issues to be discussed via the student council meetings which meet once a term.

Some students within the group exist in highly anxious states and find communication difficult. This can lead to some challenging behaviours. We have a strong ethos of positive management, and a detailed policy on the use of physical management. Almost all staff are trained in pro-active as well as reactive strategies to support students and this training is regularly reviewed.

Hope Lodge School boasts a very high staff to student ratio. Our highly skilled staff comprises our Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher, seven Teachers (including a specialist music teacher) and a large number of Teaching Assistants. A particular strength of the school is our Family Liaison Officer, who supports transition and maintains family links and support, as well as offering advice and outreach. Hope Lodge School has a strong ethos of therapeutic support, and to these ends we have a Speech and Language Therapist who offer communication and language development. We also have a full-time Behaviour Support Team. The school has recently appointed an Occupational Therapist.

We strive for excellence and are constantly updating our policy and practice in line with National recommendations and guidelines. We welcome visits from parents and professionals and value their feedback. We have a clear and comprehensive policy on child protection and a whistle blowing culture. Our staff are fully trained in child protection, discrimination and children's rights. However, we understand that problems may still arise from time to time and we have comprehensive procedures and policies to deal with these. All complaints are logged, held on file and responded to (usually by the Head Teacher).

The building has been risk assessed by an independent consultant and emergency procedures and fire precautions are clearly indicated throughout the building.