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Visit our Mountjoy School website.

Needs supported

We support pupils aged 2 to 19 years who have cognition and learning needs, particularly moderate and severe learning difficulties. Pupils might also have other complex needs such as:

• autism spectrum condition (ASC)
• profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD)
• complex medical needs

All pupils who attend have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.

Our school and facilities

Our school is located on a shared site with Beaminster School. This offers opportunities for mainstream inclusion for our pupils.

Our school has a range of specialist rooms, including:

• sensory room
• soft playroom
• emotional support room

We also have a hall that we use for:

• assemblies
• lunch
• PE lessons

We also have a hydrotherapy pool on site.

Outside we have a number of play areas, as well as:

• a sensory garden
• large play equipment
• a horticulture area

Ofsted rating

• "Good"
• Behaviour and attendance outstanding

Read our latest Ofsted report.

"An outstanding, inclusive environment that meets and exceeds all my child's needs!"

"I can't think of a better school for my son! He is learning, thriving and is happy at Mountjoy."

Curriculum and qualifications

We operate 5 separate curriculums to allow us to offer a bespoke approach and a high level of personalisation. These are:

• early years foundation stage (EYFS) Development Matters for pupils up to the age of 6
• informal multi-sensory curriculum for pupils at the earliest stages of learning
• semi-formal curriculum for pupils with severe learning
• formal curriculum based on the national curriculum and is for pupils who can access a broad range of subjects in more depth
• key stage 4 and post 16 curriculum is based on ASDAN Life Skills Challenge. Pupils also have the opportunity to study functional maths and English where appropriate

We also offer a range of awards, including:

• Duke of Edinburgh Award
• John Muir Award
• Trinity Arts Award

Approaches and staff expertise

We train staff to deliver:

• swing therapy
• hydrotherapy
• sensory diets
• rebound therapy
• Lego therapy
• beach and forest school

We have dedicated family liaison officers on site who work closely with our families.

Access to outside professionals

Depending on needs, pupils can access these therapies on site:

• occupational therapy
• physiotherapy
• speech and language therapy

We also have a link educational psychologist and a consultant paediatrician from Dorset County Hospital who holds regular clinics at our school.

Next steps and transitions

We support pupils to find an appropriate further education place if they're able to move on to post-16 mainstream education.

Pupils who stay at our school for post-16 education have ongoing discussions about their future plans and the opportunity to take part in:

• work experience
• visits to employers
• interview practice

Special school places are not always permanent.

Every year a child or young person's special school placement will be reviewed as part of their education, health and care (EHC) plan review process and will discuss various options including:

• into adulthood
• life skills
• developing independence
• sixth form choices
• Local Offer after 16 years and after 19 years

More support for your family

Find information about:

 

• social care for your child
• advice and support for your child on our Local Offer
• health advice and support for your child on our Local Offer