St Bernard's School

Welcome to St Bernard’s. We are a school in the market town of Louth.All of our children and young people have an Education Health Care Plan in place. The school positively supports students aged 2 to 19 with a wide range of learning difficulties. Some students have, in addition, other conditions which impact on their learning. These may include autism, communication difficulties, complex health issues, sensory processing difficulties, physical disabilities, profound and multiple disabilities, sensory impairment and social, emotional and mental health needs.At St Bernard’s you will see different pathway approaches across all Key Stages however the focus is very much on an individualised pathway as we offer a personalised curriculum for each and every student.The pathways mean that we can tailor the curriculum to meet needs.At all stages we support a flexible approach as we are very aware that students needs change, not only over long periods of time but also over shorter times too. We encourage our students to mix where appropriate so that they are continually building on their experiences.What you will see across all groups:High focus on communication - we have a whole communication approach where all adults model signing, verbal communication, use of symbols, written and pictorial communication as well as alternative means such as PECS, PODD, iPad, switchesVisual support - all students are supported to access schedules, first and then boards, symbols, signs and labels. This supports them knowing what is expected and can reduce anxiety.Restorative support - all students are supported to understand different feelings. Key vocabulary is displayed around school to support positive behaviour and increased self regulation. Red and green thoughts are reinforced through all areas of school so that everyone begins to understand that ‘all feelings are ok’, we then support the students to understand what to do when they have a range of thoughts and feelings.High focus on independent skills - at all stages we support growing independence in our young people. In some instances this is through TEACCH where students access work areas or work stations and access activities without adult intervention. This is highly structured and planned in order that independent skills are developed over time.Individual approaches - within all groups, individual needs are reflected and supported. This is lead through one page profiles which are displayed in all classrooms. This gives an insight into what each individual needs and how they are supported through all areas of their school day.

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