Rugeley School

Rugeley School is a specialist residential school for young people aged five to 19 with autism and moderate to severe learning difficulties. The school provides a modern setting in which students can achieve an enhanced degree of emotional stability through an active approach to learning. This approach helps reduce anxiety levels and enables full access to the curriculum. Students are able to engage in daily life with increased confidence, self-esteem, dignity and independence.

Rugeley School offers a warm and welcoming environment and there is a clear structure and routine in place to provide consistency for all of our young people.

Services offered:

• A modern school setting
• A 40 week education and up to 52 week care programme
• A 24 hour curriculum
• An active physical approach to learning
• Small class teaching groups
• Specialist teachers in key subjects
• A high staffing ratio
• Two speech and language therapists
• Focus on the development of independent skills
• A key worker system within the residential setting
• Access to occupational therapy as required
• Access to a Consultant Paediatrician as required

Placements are long term and for up to 52 weeks of the year depending on individual need. All of the young people referred to the school will have a Statement of Special Educational Need. Rugeley School can provide places for up to 48 students.

Environment and facilities

Rugeley School is a purpose-built facility in the heart of Staffordshire close to Rugeley, Lichfield and picturesque Cannock Chase. Access is easily gained from the Midland motorway network.

The school has two residential sites which can accommodate up to 36 young people in six houses, each with its own separate entrance. All accommodation is designed to be comfortable and homely reflecting domestic style living with modern furniture. Bedrooms are available for single occupancy, all with en-suite facilities and young people are encouraged to personalise their bedrooms to reflect individual preference. Our young people are allocated in houses according to gender, age and appropriate mix of individuals. Houses with six children provide a minimum of three staff on duty at any one time.

Classrooms are spacious and modern with specialist facilities for music, art and food technology. There is a library and ICT suite, a large gymnasium and a swimming pool.

Outcomes and achievements

Students will achieve an enhanced degree of emotional stability through an active approach to learning, which reduces anxiety levels and enables them to access the curriculum. They are able to engage in daily life with increased confidence, self-esteem, dignity and independence.