Service categories: Schools and education providers

Service URL: https://www.witherslackgroup.co.uk/our-locations/our-schools/westmorland-school/

Westmorland School is an independent specialist day school providing high quality education for 96 boys and girls aged between 7 to18 years. There are two sites, one for primary in Chorley and one for secondary in Leyland (Wood Campus). Both based in Lancashire they meet the needs of a diverse group of pupils with complex learning difficulties. The majority of pupils have an ASD diagnosis along with more complex needs including Speech and Language, Communication needs, high anxiety and vulnerability. Our new secondary site, Wood Campus is for young people who need a therapeutic learning environment and an alternative approach to secondary education.

Our curriculum has been differentiated from the National Curriculum and is designed to recognise and cater for the individual needs of each pupil at our school. Pupils are placed in small teaching group of 8 depending on ability and each class group is taught by a teacher who is supported by a teaching assistant who are linked to a particular class group. The school makes available accredited courses if pupils are able to access them but primarily focuses on life skills and personal growth. 

Westmorland has a full clinical team who work within the school. They provide support to allow pupils to understand more about themselves and develop their own coping strategies. They also work closely with staff providing training for them to deliver the strategies/approaches needed for the young people.

At our primary site areas have been designed by an Occupational Therapist to make sure that pupils sensory needs are being met. Pupils can access a Sensory Integrated room, a large outdoor adventure playground and football court.

At our secondary provision education will be based on the "outside world" where they will learn social skills/life skills and personal growth. Pupils have access to specially designed spaces for therapeutic activities, hands-on learning with animals and horticulture and immersive experiences in our on-site woodland.

Aimed at: Child , Young person

Covers: North West

Specialisms: Autism, Challenging behaviour, Generic