TWO Camphill communities in England have independent schools for children and young people with special educational needs, including moderate, severe or complex learning difficulties. They both offer residential and day places for pupils and students aged 6 to 19.
They are the Sheiling School, Ringwood, Hants, which is part of the Sheiling Trust which includes the nearby Lantern Community and the Sturts Farm Community just a few miles away at West Moors, and the Sheiling School, Thornbury, Bristol, which is part of Camphill Communities Thornbury which also includes The Hatch community.
Both schools offer expertise in care, education and therapy for children and adolescents with a wide range of learning disabilities. They follow a Steiner Waldorf curriculum which provides an holistic approach to the needs of pupils and students. A high degree of continuity, together with a high staffing ratio, ensure a stable learning and living environment.
With our curative educational approach within a therapeutic environment, pupils can progress at an appropriate individual pace towards their own goals while benefiting from the protective and supportive community setting. Each pupil is helped in coming to terms with his or her own particular difficulties to experience the joy of achievement and success.
Because our schools are communities too, with all those involved in the residential care of our pupils and students, and some of the teachers, living with them, each school household functions as an extended family, providing a stable home background where social learning can develop.
In addition to providing encouragement and support, our schools offer challenges too, and a wide range of social and cultural experiences.