Wyvern Academy Weymouth
Our vision
To prepare our young people for the lives they're going to live; to support our families and to help make the world a better place for people with disabilities.
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Ofsted rating and age range
Ofsted rating: good.
Read our latest Ofsted report.
Needs supported
We support pupils aged 2 to 19 years with a range of complex needs including:
- severe learning difficulties (SLD)
- profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD)
- autism
- physical disabilities
- sensory impairment
- complex medical needs
Our school and facilities
Wyvern Academy is housed within a large, purpose-built, fully accessible building. This includes:
- a hydrotherapy pool
- a large school hall
- a sensory room
- a soft playroom
We also have outdoor play areas with:
- specialist play equipment
- a sensory garden
- a horticulture garden
Curriculum and qualifications
Our school follows its own specialist curriculum that enables appropriate personalisation to match individual pupils' skills and rate of learning. Our curriculum focusses on:
- communication
- experiential learning
- independence
- personal and social development
Some pupils may also undertake Entry Level English, maths and ICT accreditation, depending on their skills.
Approaches and staff expertise
Our school is a centre of excellence for the Move programme. We follow a mental health friendly approach.
Our staff are experienced in delivering the TEACCH approach, intensive interaction and sensory diets.
Pupils can access a range of therapeutic programmes, including:
- rebound therapy
- hydrotherapy
- drama therapy
Access to outside professionals
Depending on their need our pupils can access:- occupational therapy
- physiotherapy
- speech and language therapy
- school nurse on site
- a link educational psychologist
- specialist teachers for vision impairment and hearing impairment
One young man with Down's Syndrome had had several unsatisfactory placements in different schools before being admitted to Wyvern Academy. His behaviour had restricted his access to social and learning opportunities significantly. After one year with psychological and behavioural support and a nurturing approach he is now accessing the full curriculum, has made some lovely friendships and is making great progress with his learning goals.
Transition to further education and supporting independence
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
Many pupils stay at our school's sixth form after year 11 where they follow a life skills curriculum and have opportunities for work experience.
We support our pupils to find an appropriate further education place if they're able to move on to mainstream education after the age of 16.
Our school has links with local colleges, including:
- Kingston Maurward College
- Weymouth College
"We are very happy with her progress; her social skills have improved and she is very happy to come to school."
Parent
"... he truly enjoys school and comes home happy and tired."
Parent
"Since starting at Wyvern his speech and communication have improved."
Parent
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