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14/01/10 - Another ‘Outstanding’ in Care from Ofsted for Appleford
Appleford, the Shrewton school for children with dyslexia and associated learning difficulties, has just received its third consecutive "Outstanding" OFSTED report for its ‘Care.’
Appleford School was inspected by OFSTED last month. The report has just been published and it finds that the school provides outstanding care for its pupils.
The report stated that: "The inspection found that children are protected by good systems of care which directs the practice of a well trained and supervised group of care staff. Children feel safe and happy and free from bullying. The staff ensures that the children develop to the best of their ability within a supportive and nurturing framework."
The report also went into detail about how Appleford helps children achieve well, and enjoy what they do. “The school’s primary focus is on addressing the educational needs of young people with dyslexia and in improving their self confidence and self esteem. Care staff demonstrated a good awareness of this aspect of the condition and of the individual needs of the young people.”
“Each year OFSTED has raised the bar in their grading of judgements,” adds Head Teacher, Lesley Nell. “So, the ‘Outstanding’ grade we have been awarded just goes to prove what a fantastic job the care team and all the staff at Appleford do for the pupils in their care. We are thrilled to have achieved it.”
Appleford also has an ‘Outstanding’ grade for its education.
21/12/09 - 'Magic Dust' - an article in December's Wiltshire Magazine
Appleford, a specialist school for children with dyslexia or dyspraxia, has high aims for its pupils.
The first thing you notice about Appleford School, in Shrewton is the amount of smiling faces from both pupils and staff. The atmosphere is incredibly friendly, a feeling which is compounded by its new Headmistress Lesley Nell. "We are a close knit school community,” she says, “offering specialist education to dyslexic students. Our whole school approach to dyslexia is to restore confidence, unlocking and developing the individual skills and talents of the children.”
Apple Day has just taken place, the equivalent of its Founder’s Day and the pupils have just released a cloud of red balloons to mark the occasion and to celebrate Dyspraxia Awareness Week, another condition closely associated with dyslexia. There is an air of excitement as the children watch their balloons float away. Each had a message asking to be returned to Appleford attached to it and they have heard that one was found as far away as the coast of France in the past.
Co-founded in 1988 by Educational Psychologist Dr Peter Gardner, Appleford School is a day, weekly and full boarding school for children with dyslexia and associated learning difficulties between the ages of 7 and 14. Set in 8 acres of beautiful Wiltshire parkland, Appleford is a home from home for its 80 or so pupils. Dr Gardner was concerned that dyslexia wasn’t being recognised in schools and that there was a shortage of quality provision for dyslexic children. In Appleford he wanted to create a school where children would be able to benefit from specialist teaching and therefore flourish in their education.
Appleford is such a success that it has been awarded 2 consecutive ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted grades in both education and care.
As an Educational Psychologist, Peter Gardner understands the difficulties faced by children and their parents when coming to terms with and understanding dyslexia. “Most children do know they are dyslexic but this is usually as a result of their experience of school. They know they are struggling in comparison to other children, despite their best efforts and this can be very upsetting. They often think they are stupid. Parents are reluctant to label their children but it is important for them to understand that there is a real reason for their difficulties and with the correct teaching and encouragement it will not hold them back. To find out that you are dyslexic can be a huge relief to a struggling child.”
Indeed, many extremely successful and famous people are dyslexic from Sir Richard Branson to actress Keira Knightley.
The next important date in the Appleford calendar is Dyslexia Awareness Week in November. To raise awareness, the pupils are taking part in a special project. They have each been asked to write down what being dyslexic means to them on a piece of card. These will be tied with a ribbon to the magnolia tree in Salisbury’s Elizabeth Gardens for local people to read and inspire. In the pupil’s own words:
“Being dyslexic is good because your brain can be wired up in a different and brilliant way.” Edward, aged 11.
“Being dyslexic has made me think more so I love taking things apart and seeing how they work.” Jamie, aged 12.
Lesley Nell, who has recently joined the school, is focused on her task as Head and the challenges this will bring: “I aim to champion dyslexia as a gift, not a hindrance to achievement,” she confirms. “My hope is to continue to make improvements to enable the children to carry on enjoying learning, developing their talents and passions, and loving coming to school.
At Appleford it is strongly believed that in the right surroundings dyslexic children can start to realise their full potential. By being taught within a caring, happy and structured framework the children soon develop the self-respect, self-reliance and self-discipline which they are so desperately seeking and needing. It can open them to a world where they can achieve anything, which they truly can. As Martin Cooke, Headmaster of Claysmore School, says: “Appleford School sprinkles magic dust over dyslexic children.”
06/11/09 - Appleford School bring special messages to Salisbury for Dyslexia Awareness Week.
Appleford School has come up with a special way to celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Week, which runs this week from 1st – 7th November.
To raise awareness, the pupils have taken part in a unique project. Each pupil has written on a piece of card expressing what being dyslexic means to them and these have been tied with a red ribbon to the magnolia tree in Queen Elizabeth Gardens for local people to read and be inspired. In some of the pupils’ own words:
“Being dyslexic is good because your brain can be wired up in a different and brilliant way.” Edward, aged 11.
“Being dyslexic has made me think more so I love taking things apart and seeing how they work.” Jamie, aged 12.
The Mayor of Salisbury Bobbie Chettleburgh was there to see the tree and its poignant messages revealed today. She said:
“My young grandson has dyslexia so it is a subject close to my heart. I have found these messages heart warming and encouraging.”
Headmistress Lesley Nell, who has recently joined the school, added:
“Dyslexia Week is an important date in the Appleford Calendar. We aim to champion dyslexia as a gift, not a hindrance to achievement. Our hope is to enable the children to carry on enjoying learning, developing their talents and passions.”
More ribbon messages can be read on the ribbons project page.
OUR PICTURE SHOWS: 1) The Mayor, Bobby Chettleburgh with one of the messages 2) Headmistress Lesley Nell and some of the Appleford pupils at the tree 3) Some of the children with their messages.
16/10/09 - Appleford have just held their annual Apple Day festivities.
This year has been particularly special with the day coinciding with Dyspraxia Awareness Week. To mark this event each of the pupils released a red balloon, with a label asking to be returned to the school. This caused excitement with the pupils as they had heard that in the past these have been found as far away as the coast of France.
Named "Apple Day" after the school, the tradition has been going for over 15 years. Richard Caley, the Deputy Head explains:
“The first Apple Day arose when our Founders Day was moved to the Autumn Term. We wanted a celebration which related to the harvest of apples and it has grown considerably over the past few years. Former pupils look forward to coming back on this day and taking part in the festivities and of course enjoying a delicious toffee apple!”
14/10/09 - Parents benefit from free Fact Sheet during Dyspraxia Awareness Week (10th – 17th October 2009).
Parents of children with Dyspraxia can obtain a free Fact Sheet on the condition during Dyspraxia Awareness Week (10th – 17th October 2009).
Up to one in 10 children could have Dyspraxia, says one of the UK’s foremost authorities. The condition is also known as "developmental co-ordination disorder" or "clumsy child syndrome".
Dr Peter Gardner is co-founder of Appleford School, a specialist school for children with dyslexia and associated learning difficulties. He says estimates of the prevalence of dyspraxia vary between 2% and 10%. It is thought to affect more boys than girls, in the ratio of approx three or four to one.
This week Dr Gardner publishes a new Fact Sheet for parents who think their child may have the condition.
He says: "A dyspraxic child will have difficulties with controlling their movements. This may be gross motor control or fine motor control. Gross motor control relates to whole body or limb movements. Fine motor control relates to hand and finger movement, eye movement and the organs of speech. Each child will have a unique combination of difficulties which can affect many aspects of their life."
Dr Gardner adds: "Dyspraxia can have effects on the child in other ways too. The child may lose confidence, develop low self-esteem and show associated anxiety, stress and depression. The child may be frightened of trying for fear of failing and thus tend to give up on school work.
"In some circumstances, the child might be unwilling to attend school. We see a lot of such children at Appleford School. Parents and teachers will need to remember that children with special educational needs tend to be bullied more than other children."
The free Fact Sheet is available for download from Appleford School’s website: www.appleford.wilts.sch.uk, by post by contacting the school at: Appleford School, Shrewton, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 4HL or by calling: 01980 621020.
18/08/09 - Former Scotland lacrosse star takes up the leadership of Appleford School
Appleford School starts the new school year by welcoming its new head, former Scotland lacrosse star Lesley Nell.
Lesley has played international level lacrosse for Scotland and was a member of the GB training squad. She was also a member of the East of England lacrosse team.
Trained initially at Bedford College of Physical Education she is passionate about education - deciding that she wanted to enter the profession at the age of 12! After further studies at Homerton College Cambridge and University of East Anglia, she specialised in teaching in the preparatory school age range.
Her most challenging and satisfying project was to set up the Junior Department of Dover College from scratch.
She comes to Appleford from Orchard Close, the junior school of Sibford School, Oxfordshire where she was also Head. 50% of her pupils had dyslexia and associated learning difficulties. It is there that Lesley developed an affinity for children with dyslexia - enjoying seeing them blossom and flourish.
“Parents of children at Orchard Close told me I had made a positive difference to their children and I wanted the opportunity to continue in this field” says Lesley.
“On visiting Appleford School I fell in love with the school and its community and was thrilled to be offered the post of Head.”
“Appleford is a small school, specialising in providing an excellent education for children with dyslexia and associated learning difficulties in the age range I enjoy the most.”
Lesley says: “I hope to uphold the high expectations and standards set by my predecessor Stella Wilson who led the Appleford team to achieve a double Outstanding Ofsted grade in both education and care. I admire Stella’s passion for excellence in the education of dyslexic children and will take inspiration from her.”
“My hope is to continue to make improvements to enable the children to carry on enjoying learning, developing their talents and passions, and loving coming to school. I aim to champion dyslexia as a gift, not a hindrance to achievement.” .
15/06/09 - Learning Disability Week (22nd-28th June) - Free factsheet for parents with special needs children
Learning Disability Week runs from Monday 22nd to Sunday 28th June and is a national campaign by Mencap. It provides a great chance to raise awareness about the issues that are important to people with learning disabilities and those of their families and carers. To coincide with Learning Disability Week, Dr Peter Gardner, one of the UK’s foremost authorities on dyslexia, has launched a free factsheet for parents called “Getting Help for Your Special Needs Child”.
“The parents of many children with special educational needs are unaware of their rights when it comes to educational provision” says Dr Peter Gardner, Chartered Educational Psychologist and Founder Director of Appleford School in Shrewton, Wiltshire (one of the country’s leading schools for children with dyslexia).
“Parents naturally want the best for their children. They know that good literacy, numeracy and life skills are the building blocks to educational success and a satisfying career, but many parents are in the dark about their child’s special educational needs and how best to help them.”
“A competent report by a chartered educational psychologist of the British Psychological Society is probably the most useful start” he says. “For most situations, that is enough, but in certain instances other professionals may be asked to be involved.”
Dr Gardner adds “Competent, good quality evidence with clear recommendations as to the amount of teacher/classroom assistant time and detailed programmes and strategies is an invaluable tool for parents to put before headteachers, SENCOs and LEA officers.”
The factsheet covers topics such as critical success factors, individual education plans, statutory assessment, statements of special educational needs, and special educational provision and is available from the Appleford School website: www.appleford.wilts.sch.uk or by writing to "Getting Help Factsheet", Appleford School, Shrewton, Nr Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 4HL. T: 01980 621020 E: secretary@appleford.wilts.sch.uk
18/05/09 - Xtraordinary Week
18th-22nd May has been designated as "Xtraordinary Week". The aim is to raise awareness, and focus on the strengths and talents, of dyslexic children everywhere.
To coincide with the awareness week I have written a free Fact Sheet on Dyslexia which provides information about the condition.
Children who have dyslexia can have problems with reading, writing or spelling. It is believed that one in 10 children have some form of dyslexia, which is Greek for "difficulty with words".
Parents naturally want the best for their children. They know that good literacy skills are the building blocks to educational success and a satisfying career. But many parents are in the dark about their child's special educational needs and how best to help them.
That's why I welcome the launch of "Xtraordinary Week" and have written a factsheet to help answer some of the many questions which parents may have about Dyslexia.
If you would like a free copy of the Fact Sheet, you can write to me at: "Dyslexia Awareness Fact Sheet", Appleford School, Shrewton, Nr Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 4HL, call: 01980 621020 or click here to download a copy.
Dr Peter Gardner
Educational Psychologist
24/04/09 - Open Day at Appleford – the specialist dyslexic school in Wiltshire
Appleford, the specialist school for children with dyslexia and associated learning difficulties in Shrewton, Wiltshire, is to hold an Open Day from 9am – 3.30pm on Friday 8th May.
Parents will be able to see for themselves why Ofsted rated Appleford double outstanding for education and care. “It’s a great chance for parents to get a feel for us" says headteacher Stella Wilson.
“Our Open Day is designed to give you a taste of what school life is really like. It is a chance to talk to various members of staff, see lessons in full swing and meet pupils who will show you the school. A visit is the only way to appreciated fully what the school has to offer. We warmly invite applications for this ticket only event.”
30/03/09 - The Wind in The Willows at Appleford School
Appleford, the Shrewton school for children with dyslexia and other learning difficulties, put on their adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th March.
The play was shown in the packed-out school hall and was a fun way to finish the term off - full of adventure and cameraderie.
10/02/09 - Ginger Software
Appleford has been selected as the first junior school in the world to test 'ginger spell' software. The software which will shortly be installed on all Appleford's computers allows pupils to 'automically correct unusual spelling mistakes, misused words and correct grammatical errors plus others. www.gingersoftware.com
02/12/08 - A Dickens Festival was held today at Appleford School, Shrewton
Time wound back to 1843 for the day.
Appleford, the Shrewton school for children with dyslexia and associated learning difficulties, held the event to make Dickens come alive for the pupils. “It brings history to life and it’s a more meaningful experience” says Head Teacher Stella Wilson.
The day started with ‘Charles Dickens’ himself arriving to speak to the children in assembly. He told them about his life and his visit to America. He also read from ‘A Christmas Carol’ to an enthralled audience.
Everyone dressed up for the day and engaged in Dickens or Victorian related lessons. This included making rag rugs and plum puddings and learning about steam engines and bridge building. “It’s really good fun” said pupil Charlie Farthing. “I enjoyed the bridge building and dressing up best.”
Lunch came as a big change from normal! A workhouse style meal was laid on with dishes such as gruel being served. Not everyone liked it. “It’s horrible and all watery” said Gracie Bartlett, but others disagreed. “It’s not that bad” said Freddie Collins (already on his fourth bowl),“but I wouldn’t like it everyday.”
18/11/08 - Appleford School “brilliant” with RAF child Cameron Mason
Appleford School, in Shrewton, was the choice for Wing Cdr Craig Mason and his wife Leonora when they selected a school for their son Cameron. The Wiltshire school for children with dyslexia and associated learning difficulties was the perfect place to suit the family’s needs.
Cameron has Asperger’s Syndrome - which is on the autistic spectrum. Lifelong, it affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes information and relates to other people. People with Asperger’s typically have difficulties with social communication, social interaction and social imagination.
Cameron also has dyslexic traits.
The Mason’s found it difficult to get Cameron’s state school to understand and meet his needs. After numerous meetings with his state primary school, and Cameron’s apparent unhappiness at the school, the family realised that they needed to take action, and swiftly. The only other option open to them was the private sector.
After contacting other private schools in the area, which recognised they couldn’t accommodate Cameron’s special needs, Appleford School was suggested.
Having never heard of Appleford School, they were very impressed with what they found. The school reassured them by giving Cameron an initial assessment and putting him on varying therapist programmes to aid in social interaction and enable coping strategies for peer group situation. This, the small class numbers and the nurturing by experts hired by the school have enabled Cameron to progress with confidence.
Cameron says “Appleford is a good school because I can trust the teachers. If you’re in trouble with your work they listen to you. There’s plenty of acres to run around in and I love the food”.
Leonora says “Appleford school has been brilliant. They have been very supportive and sent many of their teachers on courses to update their knowledge skills in this area. We have been relieved and grateful to have found a school that has enabled Cameron to progress with his education in earnest”.
“The RAF has been very helpful too”. They understand that Cameron needs routine and that Craig’s postings need to be commutable from their Trowbridge home. He has been lucky so far with postings to Boscombe Down and now Shrivenham.
Beyond Cameron’s schooling at Appleford, Leonora is hoping that he can return to mainstream school in Bradford On Avon.
Cameron has no aspirations to follow in his father’s footsteps, however he enjoys watching the RAF in action at airshows.
Cameron is enjoying his school years, especially I.T, and one day hopes to work for the Disney website Club Penguin.
03/11/08 - Appleford School, Shrewton, receives a DOUBLE outstanding OFSTED report
Appleford, the Shrewton school for children with dyslexia and associated learning difficulties, has received an "Outstanding" OFSTED report for its education and care.
"Appleford School was inspected by OFSTED last month. The report has just been published and it finds that the school provides "an outstanding education for its pupils."
The report continues: "Pupils say that they are pleased to be at the school; this is understandable, because they experience good teaching, very careful consideration of their individual needs and are supported by a seamless provision for their personal development." The report adds: "Pupils make good progress; often, for individuals, this is also outstanding."
Standardised test results show that in the period from September 2007 to June 2008, 95% of pupils made gains in their reading. Of these, almost half made good gains and more than one-third made outstanding gains. Most start from a base that is below expectations but the gap between this and their final achievement is considerably narrowed. Pupils' attitudes to their learning are outstanding. Even though many find the work challenging they show a determination to succeed that results in extended concentration on individual tasks. Parents have indicated they too are very pleased about teaching quality and its outcomes."
"Many pupils arrive at the school with fragile self-confidence. The school has an ethos of nurturing individual self-confidence and because of this pupils blossom and gain in their self esteem. By the time they leave they are very well prepared to go to their next phase of education.
"Many have successfully reintegrated into their chosen secondary school. Older pupils, particularly, have an outstanding awareness of themselves as well as those around them. They are very empathetic to the needs of their fellow pupils."
OFSTED inspectors praised the behaviour of the pupils. "Courtesy and consideration are second nature to them. There is a culture of success and encouragement within the school which, nevertheless, sets demanding standards for its pupils. Pupils' learning difficulties are addressed well through the curriculum, teaching and other provision so that pupils learn appropriate skills that enable them to successfully manage the world around them."
"Pupils say they feel safe in this school" and they have an acute awareness of health issues. "Many pupils expressed the view that they thought the food is very good, with a good range of choice. One pupil summed this up by saying 'The food is good and yummy'".
"I am really pleased about this inspection result," says Head Teacher Stella Wilson. "We work with children who have dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD and the related learning and language difficulties. It's a really challenging group of children to work with and everyone here has worked hard together to achieve this outstanding OFSTED report. OFSTED continues to raise the bar but we will do our best to maintain our high standards."
17/10/08 - Another successful Apple Day for Appleford School
Apple bobbing
Appleford, the school for children with dyslexia and other learning difficulties, had another successful Apple Day today (17th October 2008).
Traditionally held on the Friday before Autumn half term, the event started from humble origins. Two or three fundraising activities at the original event has grown to a large scale autumn fair which is used to raise funds for Appleford School, near Shrewton.
Named "Apple Day" after the school, the tradition has been going for over 15 years. The first Apple Day arose when Founders Day was moved to the autumn term. Apple bobbing was one of the fun activities on offer.
The event is now so successful that former pupils look forward to coming back.
21/05/08 - Parents with dyslexic daughters can now get free advice sheet
To arrange an interview with Dr Peter Gardner, about the new factsheet for dyslexic girls, please call him on 01275 472598.
Parents with dyslexic daughters can now get free advice sheet
Dyslexic girls may not be getting “a fair crack of the whip” when it comes to diagnosing their condition says one of the UK’s foremost authorities on dyslexia .
The term dyslexia comes from the Greek for ‘difficulty with words’. It is believed that one in 10 children has the condition.
Dr Peter Gardner, who is the co-founder of a specialist school for children with dyslexia and related conditions, says there are many girls whose dyslexia has not been recognised.
To help Mums and Dads to understand the particular problems facing girls, Dr Gardner has launched a free fact sheet on the condition.
Dr Gardner says: “It appears to be likely that there are many girls whose learning difficulties and dyslexia have not been and are still not adequately recognised.
“The fact that many boys are referred because of reading/literacy difficulties, is likely to be because of the way that they express their frustration in an outwardly directed fashion, as contrasted with girls who, tend to internalise their feelings to themselves in class”.
"Parents naturally want the best education for their daughters. They know that good literacy skills are the building blocks to educational success and a satisfying career. But many parents are in the dark about the special educational needs of their daughters - and how best to help them because they are simply not being diagnosed with the condition."
“All teachers need to be on the look out so that the literacy problems of girls are not left undiagnosed and untreated.”
The free Fact Sheet is available from: "Dyslexia in Girls Fact Sheet", Appleford School, Shrewton, Nr Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 4HL. T: 0800 135 7314 E: secretary@appleford.wilts.sch.uk. Further information is on the Appleford School website at: www.appleford.wilts.sch.uk
To arrange an interview with Dr Peter Gardner, about the "Dyslexia in Girls” factsheet, please call him on 01275 472598.
BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS:
Dr. Peter Gardner
B.A., DipPsych., M.A., Ed.D., A.F.B.Ps.S., M.I.Mgt., F.Inst.D.
Chartered Psychologist
Peter gained an Honours Degree in Psychology from Nottingham University, a post graduate diploma in Academic Psychology from University College London, a Master of Arts Degree in Therapy and Counselling from Antioch College, U.S.A. (London Branch) and a doctorate from the University of Bristol.
He has been a lecturer in a number of universities and was a tutor at the Child Guidance Training Centre, London, responsible for post-graduate training of educational psychologists on a British Psychological Society – and Department of Education and Skills – accredited course.
He is a Chartered Educational Psychologist, a Chartered Forensic Psychologist and a Chartered Counselling Psychologist of the British Psychological Society. He is a Full Practitioner Member of the British Psychological Society Division of Neuropsychology. He is a registered Psychotherapist (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy) and was a committee member of the Psychology and Psychotherapy Association.
Much of his work is legal work, including the preparation of detailed court reports and submission of oral evidence, working for Crown Courts, Magistrates Courts and Guardian ad litem panels. He acted as an expert witness in the precedent-setting Phelps v London Borough of Hillingdon education negligence case in the High Court in July 1997 and was described by Mr. Justice Garland as "particularly well qualified, careful and fair." His legal work is split roughly 50:50 between Claimant and Defendant work.
He is a co-founder of both Appleford School and of Daneswood, Shipham, near Cheddar, a care home for young adults with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties, which is registered with and approved by CSCi.
12/05/08 - ICT News
Appleford pupils took delivery this week of some new, very high-tech laptops. These are a fraction of the size, weight and price of conventional laptops but come with all the very latest bells and whistles. They have an inbuilt web-cam and can communicate wirelessly and by Bluetooth as well as with more conventional direct connection. Having solid state memory they are more robust than a typical notebook and long battery life means that they will be ideal for taking on field trips and recording findings in writing, photographs and video. We have enough for each child in any group and pupils are now itching to get their hand on them and try them for the first time. Mr. Owen, Head of ICT is delighted with his new toys and having spoken to the Wiltshire ICT advisors thinks we may be the first school in Wiltshire to be using this new piece of kit.
Watch this space for news of children’s podcasts..