Dear Parents
Thank you for your interest in St Vincent's School.
We have compiled this Prospectus with you in mind and I hope you will find the information you need in the following pages, in which we have tried to give a full insight into the ethos, life and work of the whole school.
It is difficult to learn everything about the school from a written document and you will learn much more from a personal visit. A telephone call to the school to arrange a time and date of your proposed visit is all that is required. All staff and pupils will be pleased to show you our school at work.
St Vincent's is a non-maintained school of charitable status offering both day places and weekly boarding. The school is approved by the Department for Education and Skills, with a long and successful tradition dating back to 1850, of education and care for blind and partially sighted children.
The aim of the school is to provide an all-round education specifically planned to meet the needs of every pupil which will allow them to function as independent, well adjusted caring people in the adult world. We strive to give pupils a sense of their own worth and an awareness of the contribution they can make to the community. We aim for all our children to leave school with the necessary qualifications and skills which will lead them to a happy and fulfilled adult life.
In all that we do in St Vincent's we rely upon the support and co-operation of parents and carers. Pupils at the school are expected to, and do, work hard and staff are committed to serving their needs. We recognise the partnership of staff, governors, parents, pupils and other professionals as central to our work. We owe our pupils the best education and have achieved a great deal, but we continually evaluate our work and set new challenging targets for all.
All our teaching staff complete a specialist University course in the teaching of visually impaired children which includes a Braille qualification. Learning Support Assistants and Care Staff also take a specialised accredited course. The school also has a highly qualified and experienced mobility team, who work individually with the children.
Application for admission to the school is made to the Headteacher by the Local Education Authority. This normally follows or is part of the Statementing procedure for a child, but you are welcome to contact us before this process. I would emphasise that pupils of any age may be admitted throughout the year and would be assessed on admission to determine the appropriate individual education and care programme.
If I can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
S Roberts
Principal
