Our specialist school offers a stimulating and supportive environment for young people with complex needs who are blind or partially sighted to reach their full potential for learning, independence and fulfilment.
Teachers, teaching assistants, therapists and social care professionals work with parents and carers to continue a consistent approach outside the school day.
Our school is recognised by the Department for Education as a non-maintained special school for 70 pupils.
Class groups
Classes are arranged by key stage. Each class is kept to a small number of students of usually no more than seven pupils.
The staff team within each class includes:
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one teacher
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a senior teaching assistant
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at least two additional teaching assistants.
Our teachers are all Qualified Teachers of the Visually Impaired (QTVIs) or are working towards this qualification. Teaching assistants also undertake additional studies to become specialists in supporting children with complex needs who are blind or partially sighted to learn.
Curriculum
Teaching takes place in a variety of ways, with students taking part in one-to-one work, small group sessions and whole class activities. Our broad, balanced and relevant curriculum is differentiated to meet individual needs and learning styles. Read more about Curriculum at RNIB Pears Centre.
Individual education plans
All students have individual targets related to their cognitive, sensory, communication, physical, personal and social development. Teachers develop these targets with therapists and care professionals and the targets form the basis of the students' individual education plans.
These are discussed and shared with the students themselves, their parents or carers and, where appropriate, with care staff. Individual education plans are monitored, adapted and updated on an ongoing basis.
Each young person's goals for their development and wellbeing are tailored to meet their unique set of needs, interests and abilities. Achievements are regularly celebrated and shared.
Facilities and learning resources
Our newly built school boasts a range of specialist facilities including purpose-built classrooms, multi-sensory environments, a large School Hall, a Library, an Art and Technology room, a Music room, a Sixth Form Centre, and movement and therapy rooms. Find out more about our new state-of-the-art education facilities.
Our school is well equipped with specialist resources which enable students to access learning through a variety of alternative sensory means. Switches enable young people to operate a range of equipment and communication aids support alternative ways of communicating.
We offer a good provision of computers and students are able to access the internet to enhance and extend their learning.
Further information
More information about our school and education provision is also available in our prospectus.
We welcome visits from parents, carers, children, other family members and professionals. Contact us to arrange your visit.