OAK VIEW SPECIAL SCHOOL
Oak View School is a community special school based in Loughton, Essex. It provides education for up to 85 students, between the ages of 3 and 19, with a wide range of special educational needs.
All of the students at Oak View have learning difficulties. In some cases, these may be moderate, whereas for other students, their learning difficulties may be severe and complex and further affected by physical disability. Almost 50% of students have some degree of autism. The school is proud of achieving accreditation through the National Autistic society for the third occasion.
The school is a friendly community with a committed team of staff. Everyone works hard to ensure that the students get an appropriate and enjoyable educational experience.
The aim of FRIENDS is to raise funds to assist the school to develop, not only knowledge and skills, but also a preparation for life beyond school. Most of the students will go on to live within their home community and some will be able to carry out supported employment.
A wide variety of educational experiences are provided with an emphasis on learning through practical activities and active exploration. The focus is on making learning fun wherever possible.
The school is developing a range of lunch-time and after-school activities. There is a sports partnership with a local secondary school and this enables Oak View to enhance the physical activities available.
All students have the opportunity to swim each week. Other students need access to hydrotherapy sessions, the FRIENDS supported the fundraising for this resource and helped raise over £200,000
Students take part in a range of educational and social trips during the year. These may be occasional topic-related trips or regular weekly visits to local community facilities.
Termly social events for parents and friends of the school are an opportunity for fund-raising but also for students toshare some of their work.
The school football team has taken part in local tournaments such as the Essex & Vanderel SEN football league. This provides a useful opportunity to practise physical and social skills.
Students are encouraged to fund-raise for other charities, such as Comic Relief and Shelter, as well as local charity groups. Students take part in a range of work experience activities, both in school and in the community. This helps to prepare them for adulthood.
Oak View School is has been accredited with the Healthy Schools Award. A recent event was a Healthy Day where students and adults had opportunities to taste healthy foods, have a health MOT and find out about healthy exercise.
The students are often involved in meeting and thanking those individuals and groups who support the school and help to raise funds.
Celebrating the achievements of students is an important part of the life of the school. This may happen through rewards and special assemblies, as well as an annual celebration afternoon.
Music and Music Therapy are important parts of the curriculum for all students but is especially beneficial for those with autism. Other therapies offed include, Drama, Dance, Sensory Integration, Physiotherapy, Horse riding, Speech and Language Therapy as well as Occupational Therapy.
Registered Charity No. 286830