APTCOO Independent Special School
Introduction
APTCOO offers an inclusive, safe and nurturing environment supporting learners with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who have struggled to make progress in mainstream or special school settings. Our learners range in age from 5 through to 19 years old. Learners attending APTCOO will typically be experiencing significant barriers to learning because of their social and emotional needs. We have created an all-encompassing curriculum placing a high priority on trauma-informed practise and nurture using the Principles of PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy).
Prior to coming to APTCOO it has been identified that learners have not been able to make progress in either mainstream or special schools and need the specialised nurturing environments that APTCOO provide. These are often children and young people at a high level of need, who will have, or be in the process of an assessment of an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and the involvement of a number of professionals.
The curriculum is broad, balanced and engaging and has a heavy focus on nurture and developing learners’ confidence and communication skills and improving dysregulated behaviour. This will be carefully adapted with special consideration to cognitive ability, dignity and personal development.
Cameleon Lodge
A Place in the Forest
North Farm House
A Place for Nurture
Feedback from our families
Knowing my daughter's needs are being met and she’s happy interacting with other adults and children is the best feeling.
In beautiful surroundings being FREE and getting dirty in mud, finding nature and learning different plants, fungi, insects, animals and life skills of fires is amazing for her and, most of all, she feels safe!
He has thoroughly enjoyed his days and from day one he said to me he feels comfortable and welcomed.
He loves coming and from day one he has also said he would like to go every day.
Thank you so much for everything.
The change over the last year and a half has been amazing. It's testament to you guys that she is now so comfortable with you that she feels happy... unimaginable this time two years ago.
You have her super engaged at the moment with regards to bugs and nature, she's non-stop talking about the nature walks and bug hunts she goes on. Her art, which she never really used to attempt or show off is great too.
Well done all, you have literally changed her life and you have one very grateful parent.