Since 2006 we have been working, as a whole school community, including parents, governors and associates, on an approach aimed at transforming our views of disability and the types of provision we offer for our pupils. We have undergone extensive training in an approach entitled, “Transforming Ourselves and Empowering Others” - A grass roots approach to innovation, care and social inclusion in communities. This approach now forms our induction training and contining professional development.

This approach has been consciously followed because of our awareness of the risks our pupils face of abuse, of powerlessness and of learned helplessness. The positive approaches to ensuring the whole community supports each individual in an appropriate and uplifting manner include exploring the following:

• A great life that’s a safe life: Society, disability, resisting violence, inclusion
• Learning and living: Facilitating voice and decision making
• Friendship and love: Intimacy, relationships, sexuality
• Supporting people with behaviours that challenge us: Positive approaches in action
• Teams that work: Effectiveness, innovation and joy in groups
• Growing leaders and social innovators

As a result of this whole community approach we have reviewed various aspects of our provision, including sex education, abuse recognition and prevention training, the types of choices our pupils can make, support for communication and language, inclusive practice and quality assurance methods. We have young men’s and women’s groups as forums for pupils to discuss issues which affect them and we have an active pupil council with representatives from classes and houses.