St Piers School & College (Young Epilepsy)
Last updated: 18/10/2022
Set in a rural campus in Surrey, St Piers School and College supports children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions and Severe Learning Difficulties. As part of the Young Epilepsy charity, we can also provide specialist support for children and young people with all types of epilepsy. Our understanding of the condition and the availability of specialist health and support staff, means that children and young people can effectively manage their epilepsy and ensure that it isn’t an obstacle to meeting their potential. Staff at St Piers School and College also have extensive expertise in supporting children who need help with communication and interaction, cognition and learning, physical and sensory needs, and social, emotional and mental health and Independence.
St Piers School and College is innovative and creative provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. We put children and young people at the heart of the learning experience, providing an environment where everyone can progress and gain new skills.
Life at St Piers isn’t just about classroom learning. We help each learner build their imaginative power, confidence and independence, giving them the opportunity to fulfil their potential. We offer outdoor activities to promote a healthy lifestyle and our Imaginarium provides a space for creative flair and immersive sensory experiences. From the moment a child arrives at St Piers, they are supported to progress as learners and as unique individuals.
Putting children and young people at the centre of everything we do, our expert team will help them develop social skills and independence. We work with our learners to identify what gives their lives purpose and meaning and then help them grow up to become the very best version of themselves!
Who to contact
- Contact Name
- Sue Gunn
- Contact Position
- Head of Business Development
- Telephone
- 01342 832243
-
education@youingepilepsy.org.uk
- Website
- St Piers School & College (Young Epilepsy)
Where to go
- Name
- St Piers School & College
- Address
-
Young Epilepsy
St Piers lane
Lingfield
Surrey - Postcode
- RH7 6PW
- Notes
We offer:
Day Placements
Weekly Boarding Placements
Termly Boarding
Other Details
Costs
- Details
- Costs are subject to our assessment.
Availability
- Age Ranges
- Referral required
- Yes
- Other notes
How to apply:
We know that the application and funding process can seem a bit daunting but we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our expert admissions team are happy to help guide you through the process and are on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Come and visit us
Open days are held regularly throughout the year and dates are available on our website.Complete an application form
Download an application form from our website or simply email us and we'll send you one.Return the form and supporting documents
Check the website and application form to make sure you have included everything.Application review
Our specialist team will review your application and, if we think we can meet your needs, contact you to arrange an assessment and Familiarisation Visit.Familiarisation Visit
You will spend time with experts from some of our teams including education, residential, therapy and health.St Piers decision
Following the Familiarisaton Visit we will let you know if we can meet your needs and whether we are able to offer you a place with us.Placement offer goes to Local Authority
We will submit a formal offer with your assessment reports and funding request to your Local AuthorityLocal Authority decision
Your Local Authority will let you know if they agree that we can meet your needs and whether or not they will fund the placement.
Local Offer
- Links
-
Guide for Schools
- SEN Provision Type
- Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties, Medical, Specific Literacy Difficulties, Speech & Language Difficulties, Behavioural, Emotional & Social Difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Physical Disability, Hearing Impairment, Moderate Learning Difficulties, Severe Learning Difficulties, Visual Impairment
- Local Offer Age Bands
-
5 to 7
7 to 11
12 to 14
15 to 16
16 to 18
19 plus - Needs Level
- High
- Medium
- Low
Further Education Colleges
- 1.1: How does the College identify those young people with special educational needs and disabilities who have not previously been identified?
We are a specialist SEN Provision and only take young people who have a EHCP/ Statement.
1. Identification of SEND
- 2.1: If a young person is identified as having SEND, who will plan their education programme?
The curriculum co-ordinator, and the multi disciplinary team along with the college lecturers will implement a students educational programme.
- 2.2: How will I be informed / consulted about the ways in which my child is being supported?
Through regular contact with key workers and college staff there is also a day book for the students to take home, supporting this is the students annual review.
- 2.3: How will the college balance my child's need for support with developing their independence?
This is what we do for every student, we develop their independance in a varity of ways, incorporated into their learning and development whilst attending the college, we also operate a waking day curriculum for our residential students
- 2.4: How will the College match/differentiate the curriculum for the young person's special educational needs?
Every young person has a individualised curriculum specificaly designed for them, catering to their abilities, goals and desired outcomes
- 2.5: What teaching strategies does the college use for young people with SEND, including ASD, hearing impairment, visual impairment and speech & language difficulties?
We are a specialist provision so have great expertise in these areas enhanced with onsite therapists catering for speech and language,physiotherapy, occupational therapy, play therapy, occupational theraopists and pyscologists
- 2.6: What additional staffing does the college provide from its own budget for young people with SEND?
We have consultant paediatric neorologists, consultant pychiatrist, senior registrars, pyhsiotherapists,psychologists, play therapists, speech & language therapists and occupational therapists
- 2.8: What resources and equipment does the College provide for young people with SEND?
As a SEN specialist provision, we have all the equpment required for students with SEN and if we do not have a piece of specific equipment our therapists will source and purchase and equipment that is required
- 2.9: What special arrangements can be made for the young person when taking examinations?
Any special arrangements that are required for a young person to sit an exam will be put in place to ensure the minimum amount of disrution to the student
- 2.10: What accredited and non accredited courses does the College offer for young people with SEND?
A full range of accredited qualifications are offered by the awarding bodies we work with. These are ASDAN,OCR & EDExcel at entry level1 to Level . Access to NVQ's and GCSE's are arranged with local mainstream colleges.
2. Support for young people with special educational needs
- 3.1: How will the College monitor the young person's progress and how will the young person and or parents/carers be involved in this, (if appropriate)?
There are set key targets and these are discussed and reveiewed on a regular basis by all the staff involved with a particular student. Lecturers hold weekly meeting with students to discuss and monitor their progress on their chosen courses
- 3.2: When the young person's progress is being reviewed, how will new targets be set and how will parents/carers be involved, (if appropriate)?
Parents are invited to the annual review and are regularly contacted by key staff to keep them updated on a students progress
- 3.3: ln addition to the college's normal reporting arrangements, what opportunities will there be for parents/carers to discuss a young person's progress with college staff?
Parents can if required meet/ be asked to meet with college staff to discuss a students progress and how the selcted outcomes will be achieved.
- 3.4: What arrangements does the college have for regular home to college contact, if appropriate?
In the majority of cases, parents/carers are directly involved in deciding what care will be provided for the student. The medical and behavioural conditions our students have are unique to each individual and so we value input from parent/carers as they can often explain what care their child requires. We believe that it is essential to have good relationships in place with them.
For day students, a ‘day book’ relays to parents/carers what progress the student has made and what has happened that day. It also enables parents and carers to understand the levels they are working to. Home learning is undertaken by day and residential students and this will also be detailed in the day book.St Piers School and St piers College have a formal system of annual reviews. These reviews asses progress and parents/carers are fully involved in this process. We also hold parents’ evenings where educational progress can be assessed and any queries dealt with.
Parents are represented on the Governing Body. We would always encourage their involvement and appreciate the fact they are engaged with St Piers School and St Piers
College.
- 3.5: How can parents/carers support a young person's learning?
The college actively encourage parents to continue the work the staff on site do with all our young people to develop their life skills and independence.Eg helping around the home to what ever their level of capability.
- 3.7: How will the young person's views be sought about help they are getting and the progress they are making?
We have an exemely proactive Student Voice Group, who meet regularly to discuss key college decisions.
Individual students have one to one sessions to seek their imput and views on college life and how they are progressing
- 3.8: How does the college assess the overall effectiveness of its SEN provision and how can parents / carers and young people take part in this evaluation?
In the majority of cases, parents/carers are directly involved in deciding what care will be provided for the student. The medical and behavioural conditions our students have are unique to each individual and so we value input from parent/carers as they can often explain what care their child requires. We believe that it is essential to have good relationships in place with them.
For day students, a ‘day book’ relays to parents/carers what progress the student has made and what has happened that day. It also enables parents and carers to understand the levels they are working to. Home learning is undertaken by day and residential students and this will also be detailed in the day book.
St Piers School and St piers College have a formal system of annual reviews. These reviews asses progress and parents/carers are fully involved in this process. We also hold parents’ evenings where educational progress can be assessed and any queries dealt with.
Parents are represented on the Governing Body. We would always encourage their involvement and appreciate the fact they are engaged with St Piers School and St Piers College.
3. The young person's progress.
- 4.1: What support is available to promote the emotional and social development of young people with SEND?
We have specialised Safe Guarding Officers, ensuring students well being as well as the college and residential staff all of whom receive regular training to ensure we can meet students emotional and social development
- 4.2: What support does the college put in place for young people who find it difficult to conform to normal behavioural expectations and how do you support young people to avoid exclusion
We have on site Physcologists, working with students and lecturers to ensure behaviours can be managed and we also have individual learning spaces that to allow for de-escilation in behaviours.
During the assessment process managing behaviours is given a high consideration prior to a place being offered, as a break down in placement is the last thing we want for a student.
- 4.3: What medical support is available in the College for young people with SEND?
We have an onsite medical centre manned 24 hours a day, along with all our therapists.
- 4.4: How does the College manage the administration of medicines?
These are managed by trained college and residential staff
- 4.5: How does the College provide help with personal care where it is needed, for example, help with toileting, eating?
All our staff, working with students, recieve training on providing personal care, toileting and eating
4. Supporting the young persons wellbeing
- 5.1: What SEN support services does the college use, e.g. specialist support workers, educational psychologists, teachers for hearing impairment and visual impairment, ASD advisory teachers, behaviour support teachers etc?
As a specialist SEN provision we have all the necessary therapists on site to prvide a first class service to all our students
- 5.2: What should a parent/carer do if it is considered that a young person needs support from one of these services?
These support services will be included in the young prsons EHCP and the college has a responsibility to fullfill the requirements in the EHCP
- 5.3: How are speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy services provided?
These are provided by trained staff, as and when required by the students EHCP and provided either in the class room, on the house for residential students or in a specific therapy room where appropriate
- 5.4: What should I do if I think my child needs to be seen by a speech and language therapist, occupational therapist or physiotherapist?
This is part of the assesment visit where the student will be accessed by our multi disciplinary
5. Specialist services available / accessed at the college
- 6.1: What SEND training is provided to teaching staff?
All staff who have contact with children and young people undergo a robust induction programme during their first six months in post. This is followed by further mandatory, regulatory and person-centred training throughout their time with Young Epilepsy.These courses are delivered by subject matter experts from our own staff, as well as ournursing and therapy teams. This ensures we are sharing expertise across the organisation and that all training is relevant to the specific requirements of our students.Person-centred courses include:
Understanding Epilepsy and Autism
Intensive Interaction
Signalong and Total Communication
Epilepsy First Aid.
In addition to this, staff who work within the residential houses are funded to complete their Common Induction Standards and the Level 3 diploma in Health & Social Care.
- 6.2: What SEND training is provided to support staff?
All staff who have contact with children and young people undergo a robust induction programme during their first six months in post. This is followed by further mandatory, regulatory and person-centred training throughout their time with Young Epilepsy. These courses are delivered by subject matter experts from our own staff, as well as our nursing and therapy teams. This ensures we are sharing expertise across the organisation and that all training is relevant to the specific requirements of our students.Person-centred courses include:
Understanding Epilepsy and Autism
Intensive Interaction
Signalong and Total Communication
Epilepsy First Aid.
In addition to this, staff who work within the residential houses are funded to complete their Common Induction Standards and the Level 3 diploma in Health & Social Care.
6. Training of college staff in special needs
- 7.1: How does the College ensure young people with SEND can be included in out of College activities and trips?
As special educational needs establishments, St Piers School and St Piers College have considerable expertise in helping arranging activities for students out of the classroom. A range of activities are available depending on the young person’s personal interests and abilities. These include swimming, horse riding, visiting National Trust properties, outings to the theatre, museums and visiting activity centres.
7. Activities outside the college including trips
- 8.1: How accessible is the building for young people with mobility difficulties including wheelchair users?
Young Epilepsy offers day and residential care to individuals with a variety of complex needs and disabilities. Areas used by students of St Piers School and St Piers College have fulldisabled access with wheelchair ramps, electric doors, hoists and any other equipment they may require. We are continually upgrading our facilities to ensure we offer full disabled access.
Students also have access to a wide range of specialist equipment including Speak and Spell, touch screen technology, iPads, iPods, tablet computers and fully equipped sensory rooms.
We also have a gym, low ropes course and a vast array of specialist sports and fitness equipment plus a hydrotherapy suite and boating lake. Disabled lavatories and changing facilities are available across our site.
Both St Piers School and St Piers College have specialist provision for students that are on the autistic spectrum. This includes lecturers who are specially trained to deal with the condition.
We have procedures in place for communicating with parents and carers whose first language is not English. If a member of staff fluent in the required language is not available, we can access a translator service.
- 8.2: Have adaptations/improvements been made to the auditory and visual environment?
YES
- 8.3: Are there accessible changing and toilet facilities?
YES
- 8.4: How does the College ensure that all the facilities can be accessed by children with SEND?
We are a Specialist SEN provission
- 8.5: How does the college communicate with parents / carers who have a disability?
We would ensure communication tools were set in place to accomodate the parent/carers disability
- 8.6: How does the college communicate with parents / carers whose first language is not English?
We have procedures in place for communicating with parents and carers whose first language is not English. If a member of staff fluent in the required language is not available, we can access a translator service.
8. How accessible is the college environment?
- 9.1: What preparation will there be for both the college and the young person before he or she joins the college?
Prior to joining St Piers School or St Piers College, the young person will have visited and spent a day or two with other students of a similar ability (this may involve an overnight stay). This gives the young person a taste of what to expect prior to joining the student community. There will also have been meetings and introductions with key staff including education specialists, care staff and medical experts.
Our service is tailored to each individual student. We ensure that the level of support the student requires is always available, but our aim is always to work with each individual to ensure they reach their maximum potential and lead as independent a life as possible.From the moment a young person joins us we are working towards their transition to the next placement. We work closely with parents, local authorities and support organisations to identify the most suitable placement. We work closely with that placement to ensure they understand the needs of the young person to ensure a smooth transition.We work with a number of employers and local mainstream colleges to encourage independence and employability for the future. This is something that particularly benefits St Piers College students.
- 9.2: How will the young person be prepared to move on to the next stage within the college?
Prior to joining St Piers School or St Piers College, the young person will have visited and spent a day or two with other students of a similar ability (this may involve an overnight stay).This gives the young person a taste of what to expect prior to joining the student community.There will also have been meetings and introductions with key staff including educationspecialists, care staff and medical experts.Our service is tailored to each individual student. We ensure that the level of support the student requires is always available, but our aim is always to work with each individual to ensure they reach their maximum potential and lead as independent a life as possible. From the moment a young person joins us we are working towards their transition to the next placement. We work closely with parents, local authorities and support organisations to identify the most suitable placement. We work closely with that placement to ensure they understand the needs of the young person to ensure a smooth transition. We work with a number of employers and local mainstream colleges to encourage independence and employability for the future. This is something that particularly benefits St Piers College students.
- 9.3: How will the College work with the organisation(s) to whom the young person will progress?
Our work palce co-ordinator works with organisations and our transition team work from day one on transitioning onto the students next placement
- 9.4: How will the college prepare my child for the transition to further education or employment?
As above
9. Preparing to join the college / next stage of education
- 10.1: Who would be my first point of contact if a parent/carer wants to discuss something about the young person or is worried?
The students teacher/ key support worker
- 10.3: What arrangements does the college have for signposting parents / carers to external agencies which can offer support, such as voluntary agencies?
Please visit out website
- 10.4: What arrangements does the college have for feedback from parents/carers, including compliments and complaints?
Please visit our website
10. Who can parents contact to discuss a young person?
Quality checks
- CQC
- DBS check
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