Curriculum

The school is organised into Primary, Secondary and Post-16 departments, with pupils in small teaching groups appropriate to their developmental needs. All the pupils have access to a modified National Curriculum through individually designed learning programmes. All subjects within the curriculum have schemes of work which enable pupils to have access to programmes of study. Individual pupil's progress is asseed by using a range of assessment tools appropriate for pupils with VI / MDVI

The pupils have a wide variety of communication and literacy needs. Communication modes include Makaton signing, augmented speech devices and objects of reference. Literacy modes include large print, Braille, Moon and picture symbols. For more information on Objects of Reference, please click here.

There is a very active Communications Group, drawn from all parts of the school, who devise resources, materials and strategies to extend this area of the specialist curriculum.
A great emphasis is placed on maximising each pupil's mobility, independence and social skills. The Oregon and Texas programmes are used to support the development of these skills.

At Linden Lodge we offer a a range of accreditation appropriate to the pupils' individual needs. We review our accreditation offer every year. We are currently offering the following accreditation:

ASDAN programmes: Transition Challenge towards Independence, Bronze and Silver
OCR National Skills Profile and OCR Accreditation for Like and Living (OCR ALL)
Entry Level Certificates and GCSE

Specialist Curriculum
In addition to the National Curriculum, which is modified for the needs of pupils with VI / MDVI, pupils at Linden Lodge have access to a range of learning experiences which are specially adapted to their visual needs. This may include training in the use of specialist equipment and specialist software for pupils with little or no sight.

Each pupil who comes to the school has an initial Assessment with a multi disciplinary assessment team. This is used as a baseline assessment for teachers and informs them how to present the curriculum in the most accessible form.

Some pupils with residual vision need a visual enhancement programme to enable them to make maximum use of their functional vision. Even pupils with only light perception can be taught to use this in a functional way to support mobility and orientation.

Pupils can have regular access to a visual enhancement room, where specialist lighting, computer programmes and toys and games are used for on-going visual stimulation and visual training programmes, which can form part of their Individual Education Plan.

Each pupil's Functional Visual Assessment is updated annually or whenever a change in visual function is suspected.

Medical information and the knowledge gained from on-going visual assessment also inform the Mobility and Orientation programmes and all Life Skills programmes. The observations of parents and carers form an important part of visual assessment and training programmes.

Health and Therapy

The Nursing and Therapy team comprises 16 staff, most of whom are based at the school part-time. The nursing team is managed by Jane Usher and they promote and advise on issues relating to needs of the pupils, parents and all staff at the school.

The therapy team is managed by Shelina Mitha and the teams consist of five physiotherapists, 4 occupational therapists, 3 speech and language therapists and 2 assistants. We work in a co-ordinated way to meet the therapy needs of the pupils at Linden Lodge. Health and Education staff work closely together to ensure that pupils' programmes are integrated throughout their daily routine and are regularly assessed and updated as required.

We appreciate and value the input of parents to update on changes relating to health and therapy needs and continue to have two parent telephone contact days a year. We welcome phone calls at any time to discuss the pupils' needs.

A major part of the work of the nursing and therapy team is to enskill and train staff and carers both at school and in residential, to implement the programmes designed for individual pupils. To this end we endeavor to keep abreast of innovative clinical research and strive to improve our own clinical expertise through continuing professional development.

We hold regular in-service training for staff in all relevant aspects of health, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. As a result of a whole school commitment to the Makaton Language Programme we were granted the Makaton Centre of Excellence Award last year.

We aspire towards creating an environment in the school whereby every child is enabled to achieve his / her potential.

Please click here to download our multi-therapy leaflet.

Mobility

Orientation and Mobility instruction is age appropriate ongoing training.It helps pupils with a visual disability to move safely and efficiently in their home, school, work and community settings as independently as possible.

The curriculum is designed for pupils with all levels of sight loss and due to its individual nature takes into account other disabilities that each pupil may have, including learning and physical disabilities.

Within Linden Lodge School there is a team of O&M officers who work mostly on an individual basis. Their aim is to maximise each pupil’s potential for independent, safe movement within their environment.

It is the aim of the department that a team approach will be used at all stages of assessment, teaching and the evaluation of outcome regarding the O&M programme. As far as possible, this is done through consultation with families, carers and involved staff. In this way the students will be supported in their efforts towards independent goals.

We work closely with Parents and Families, often visiting them at home to ensure that they access services in the local area. The Mobility Team organise events such as workshops and coffee mornings to bring Parents and Carers together.

Each student’s individual programme will be designed to build on the individual’s strengths, existing knowledge and strategies that they may already have developed. This includes working with the students to maximise the use of any residual vision that they may retain, either directly or my manipulating their environment.

As well as basic orientation and mobility skills, when appropriate the curriculum covers more advanced work. This includes road and personal safety, cane skills and onto using public transport.

For our pupils who use wheelchairs we have programmes to help them achieve a level of safe, independent movement. Especially for our pupils with more complex needs, our SMART wheelchair platform allows them to experience self-directed movement, often for the first time.

Safe Citizen is an annual event organised in partnership with the Police and Fire Services. Our secondary pupils are helped to focus on safety in the home and the wider world.

It is the philosophy of the department that each student will best fulfil their potential for confident and purposeful movement in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.

Harris Centre

Pupils who join the Harris Centre have a number of significant special needs and function at an early developmental level. They are likely to have additional sensory physical impairments and therefore have difficulties with communication. These pupils require a high level of support with their personal care and social skills.

The Harris Centre opened in January 2008 and the state-of-the-art building comprises 3 large class bases for pupils in Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Post-16 (Key Stage 5). Each class has provision for seven pupils.

Facilities include:

• Accommodation for up to seven wheelchair users;
• A physio/stretch area for seven pupils;
• A small individual/paired-work room;
• Male/female disabled toilet areas with height-adjustable changing tables;
• Integrated hoists between classroom and toilets;
• Access to a storage area to accommodate specialist equipment, eg standing frames;
• A kitchen which includes further storage areas;
• Blinds which enable the whole/part of the classroom to become a dark room;
• Wall/floor power points to enable interactive switch activities;
• Access to a large multifunctional communal hall.

The Harris Centre also has a variety of multi-sensory environments including a soft play area, a sensory theatre, dark room and a fully interactive multi-sensory garden.

The Harris Centre is an integral part of the school and its wonderful multi-sensory facilities are enjoyed by all the pupils at Linden Lodge.

For more information about all the facilities the centre can offer click here.

The Harris Centre also houses the Wandsworth PCT Specialist Nursing Team for SEN.

History of the Harris Centre

In April 2004 a request was made by Wandsworth Local Authority to the Governors of Linden Lodge School and Roger Legate, the Principal. They proposed to build an additional centre for 21 Wandsworth secondary aged pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties on the school site. Through the Planning for Inclusion agenda pupils with PMLD based at Paddock and Greenmead school were identified for relocation to the Harris Centre.

Linden Lodge School Governors and Roger Legate accepted the proposal with advice and support from the Special Educational Needs Department in Wandsworth. Andy Harris, who was head of department at that time, was instrumental in the planning and execution of the project. Sadly, he died in September 2006 and the centre has been named after him as a tribute to his hard work in helping to plan for children with complex special educational needs in Wandsworth.

A working group was set up to include Roger Legate, Trevor Williams, Lina Graham, Joyce Allinson, the therapists and the nursing teams to ensure that the centre was accessible and fit for purpose.

The development of the Harris Centre is a testament to working within a multi-agency framework between education and health in partnership with Design Services and Durtnells, the construction company.

PE and Outdoor Education

At Linden Lodge Physical and Outdoor Education is accessible to all our pupils. Children with a visual impairment have the same need for activity, challenge, teamwork and competition as all pupils. Participation in Physical Education promotes self-esteem, confidence and independence vital to the all-round development of our children. The programme of activities offered is enjoyable, satisfying, balanced, challenging and differentiated. Structured and developmental schemes provide for progression, challenge and sense of achievement.

Physical Education at Linden Lodge provides a fun and stimulating environment in which pupils can develop physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively. It specifically focuses on the body and builds upon children's need for, and enjoyment of, activity and movement.

This year we trailled a very successful LInden Lodge gymnastics / movement award scheme which was very popular with pupils and staff alike.

Every pupil accesses the programme at least three times per week, including:

1. fitness / movement sessions in the fitness studio or outdoors utilising our specialised bikes and bike paths. Sessions may include rebound therapy on one of our trampolines, or other structured movement opportunities using cardio-vascular, resistance and specialised 'Motomed' equipment.
2. a PE / co-operative games session. We adapt a range of games to suit the needs of pupil's, creating adapted games such as Swing Skittles, Crazy Cricket, Giant Football, and Basketball. Many games accessed are from the TOP Sportability set, including New Age Kurling, Boccia and Goalball. Adapted and specialised Indoor Sporthall equipment is utilised in preparation of inter-school competition.
3. a swim session either in the main swimming pool or the Hydrotherapy pool which is tailored specifically to the level of the pupil delivered by our qualified swim staff.

On entry to the school each pupil is allocated to a house group. These house groups are used for various sporting competitions over the year e.g. Sports Day, Swim Gala, Gymnastics Competition. The three houses are Beverley, Mole and Wandle.

• We hold intra-School Competitions - Medals are given out to all pupils taking part.
• Sports Day - held last week of Summer Term each year. Involving all pupils.
• Swimming Gala - held during Spring Term. Involving all pupils.
• Others - Gymnastics Competition (once every three years), New Age Kurling, Boccia Golf, Crazy Cricket, Sport Relief Mile running competitions around school.

We are involved in many inter-school Competitions:

• Football - against Dorton House / Joseph Clarke and other mixed school competitions;
• Cricket - Kersey Cup at Lords and other games against other VI schools;
• Swimming - Sutton Disability Gala, Wandsworth Special Schools Gala;
• Panathalon - some students represent Wandsworth in this Pan London Multi Sport annual event;
• London Youth Games - various students to represent Wandsworth at the all London Games at Boccia, Swimming and Athletics; In 2008 one pupil won gold in 100m and long-jump, and one student won silver in shot putt;
• Boccia Golf;
• London schools Boccia league. Games to be held at various venues around London including Linden Lodge.

We hold a number of coached Club Sessions at School. Linden Lodge School staff lead one-hour football coaching sessions each week and Chelsea Football Club coaches lead these sessions for about one term per year. A London Community Cricket Association coach leads cricket sessions at various times throughout the year.

Residential

Our residential provision can accommodate forty-five full and part-time pupils aged from six to nineteen years, Monday to Friday. Residential placements are designed as an integral part of the specific educational and social programme, forming a 24-hour curriculum, which takes into account the pupil’s visual impairment, physical disabilities, emotional and medical needs, enabling them to develop to their full potential.

Residential Work staff are supported by a number of one to one support staff, many of whom work with pupils during the day. All work closely with other professionals across the school in a multi disciplinary way.

Pupils reside in two buildings, South House and School House, both catering for pupils of different ages, abilities and individual complexity. They provide a stimulating, caring and happy environment in which the pupils can develop their self confidence and independence skills.

South House
Is a purpose build residential building which has 35 beds spread over three floors. There are both single and double rooms and a selection of bath and shower/wet rooms. Pupils in this unit have a wide range of needs and are of mixed ages and abilities. All areas are wheelchair accessible and many areas, particularly the ground floor, contain specialist equipment such as hoists and height adjustable beds.
There is a large games room, several communal lounge areas, a training kitchen, kitchenettes, computer suite, two al fresco areas, sick bay and outside a peaceful woodland walk. Pupils in South House take their meals in the unit.

School House
School House has 10 beds, mainly in double rooms with a comfortable lounge and dining area where pupils have their breakfast and evening meal. Pupils in this unit also have a wide range of needs and are of mixed ages and abilities. Pupils from School House are able to access all of the facilities which South House has to offer.

By providing a 24hr Curriculum pupils who board at the school have the opportunity to develop a range of daily life skills with the support of experienced Residential Workers and a number of one to one support staff. Each child has an Individual Care Plan, tailored to their visual and cognitive needs, which is reviewed regularly.

Pupils also have the chance to participate in a wide range of leisure and extra curricular activities both within the school and the local community. These include cookery, arts & crafts, the use of the ball pool, multi-sensory room, computer suite, music facilities, all-weather play area and swimming and hydro pool. Pupils can also attend a local youth club, play golf, go to the theatre, cinema, concerts, visit local restaurants and take part in cultural experiences.

Please click here to watch some videos of our pupils talking about boarding at Linden Lodge.

The Residential Department is inspected by Ofsted.

Learning Resources

The Resources Team works with the staff in the school to produce and promote materials for the specific needs of individual pupils. This includes selection and production of materials in a wide variety of formats, close involvement with the development of communication modes within the school and work with pupils on information retrieval and ICT. The Resources team divides into two areas.

Library Services

The library provides a wide range of resources to support the pupils' learning and leisure. These include Braille, large print, Moon, Picture Communication Symbols and a large collection of audio tapes. The Resources Centre maintains a discrete provision for pupils to be supported in information retrieval and ICT. A programme of individual Touch Typing operates in the Centre. The Library has an open access policy and every pupil has an allocated time there each week. To support the curriculum increased use is made of tactile material and artefacts. There is a large collection of story bags and topic boxes in the Resources Centre for this purpose.

Literacy is a strong focus in the school and an ever increasing range of innovative materials are being constantly developed and maintained in the library for the use of the whole school.

Strong links are maintained with outside resources, such as the RNIB. The ClearVision Project of children's' braille and print picture books, pioneered at Linden Lodge, is now a national charity, based in the school grounds. It now includes a library of custom-made tactile books and a small collection of early Moon and print books.

Resource Production Services

Print sources are transcribed into alternative formats, including braille, pre-braille tactile materials, moon, tactile diagrams, large print, etc. The department also maintains an Objects of Reference Library. For more information on the use of objects of reference, please click here. The department is well equipped with a wide range of IT equipment and other resources for the use of staff and pupils. Much use is made of ICT, such as communication aids, to support the teaching and learning in the school. A specialised adaptation of the Internet allows more independent access by the pupils.
The department assists with extensive video recording of individual pupils as part of assessment and record keeping.

The Arts Curriculum

In 2006 we were awarded Artsmark Gold in recognition of our work in art, dance, drama and music.

All our pupils enjoy exposure to the arts, including music, drama, dance and art. Every year each pupil takes part in a range of dramatic experiences, such as going out to the theatre, visiting a gallery or participating in a workshop at school. All such experiences are led by professionals. Recent events include a trip to the Unicorn theatre to see The Whale’s Tooth with KS3 and KS4 pupils and The Very Thirsty Giraffe for our younger pupils. We have formed strong links with the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon and have worked with them on a series of pre- and post-performance workshops. The Mousetrap Foundation have been very supportive of Linden Lodge and have provided us with the opportunity to experience West-End plays which incorporate touch-tours, audio description and performance workshops. This year we have taken pupils to see War Horse and Wicked.


An exciting new project is with Graeae a disability-led theatre company. We have recently been to the Unicorn Theatre tosee their production Whiter than Snow. In addition a group of actors from the production came to work with us to explore further the issues presented in the show.

We have invited storytellers, drummers and dancers into school and recently Kevin Whitney, a potter and artist, visited to work with our pupils.

Each Christmas and summer we hold a whole school concert. Alongside class performances a number of our pupils perform solos and group work on a variety of instruments including the piano, violin, guitar and drum.

Later this term classes will be visiting the National Gallery and Dulwich Picture gallery. In addition we will be working with The Courtauld on one of their special projects.

During the summer term we have a themed Arts/Culture week with multi-sensory Arts and other learning experiences. Last year our theme was the Olympics and students explored music, drama, dance, art, sport, history and geography from different countries.