Drumbeat School and ASD Service

Our school values underpin everything we do at Drumbeat.

Drumbeat is a centre of excellence with a strong mission and purpose to transform CYP's lives, and the lives of their families, for the better. Its work should be groundbreaking, innovative and creative, with a 21st century pedagogy that puts the CYP’s needs at the heart of everything it does.

Drumbeat’s work draws from the latest research in Autism to build upon ‘tried & tested’ practice and shape teaching approaches closely to children’s learning styles.

Teaching will be unswervingly personalised so CYP actively and meaningfully engage in learning. A high priority will be given to developing effective communication approaches.  Underpinning the school’s values will be a comprehensive understanding of the link between behaviour and communication, recognising that behaviour is communication.  Through proper interpretation, understanding and meeting needs, and enabling children to communicate their needs and desires effectively, it is possible to reduce challenging behaviours.

We have a very strong shared vision that was developed after discussion with staff, governors, students and parents. When students leave Drumbeat they should be; Independent, caring, ambitious, confident, safe, courageous, respectful, resilient and successful.  

Drumbeat’s staff will be reflective practitioners, who strive to refine, improve and ‘open-up’ their practice. Drumbeat will be ambitious for its pupils, striving to transform their lives, unlocking their potential and helping them to become as independent as practicable so that as adults they become capable of contributing positively to the local community.

Drumbeat will work closely with Health, Social Care and Voluntary Agencies so services are wrapped around the child in a truly transdisciplinary way, putting the child and family at the centre. Drumbeat’s transdisciplinary work will include school employed speech and language therapist (SaLT), occupational therapist (OT), music therapist (MT) and clinical psychologist (CP) who will be an integral part of the school team and work closely with children and young people, families, teachers and TAs.

Drumbeat’s children and young people will work in an environment:

• that is expert in ASD,
• with a ‘can do’ culture,
• with high expectations, 
• that nurtures the holistic development of the child and young person,
• that is caring, safe, happy, positive and supportive,
• that helps pupils build upon their individual strengths and interests,
• that enables them to reach their full potential within the context of their individual needs,
• that values equality of opportunity and actively encourages pupils to exercise control over their lives,
• where children and young people will be treated with dignity and prized for the contributions they make,
• where individual differences will be recognised, respected and celebrated,
• where pupils’ voice is respected and listened to, however subtle or loud,
• where parents and carers will be consulted, listened to, respected and supported. 

Read more about us on our website  www.drumbeatasd.org