Fairley House provides a safe, secure, supportive and nurturing environment for pupils. Many of our pupils arrive with low-self-esteem due to having failed at their previous schools.  For many of them, it is the first time they will have been in an environment which provides a level playing field, with children who have similar learning difficulties.  Our ethos is to provide an environment in which children thrive emotionally and develop academically, in order to meet the joys and challenges of life ahead.

Tutor groups
All pupils at Fairley House are placed in small tutor groups where they go for registration and keep personal belongings. Their form tutor forms a close relationship with them and supports them with organisation and peer relationships.   Pupils are supported by other teachers, instructors and play supervisors during break times. Any pupils encountering difficulties playing or interacting with others are identified and provided with support from form tutors or therapists. 

Home/School Diaries
Communication with parents takes place via a home/school diary. Children’s diaries are signed each morning by form tutors. Any staff working with a pupil can also make comments in diaries and record credits and debits given to the pupil. Parents and staff are also encouraged to communicate via email and telephone. Termly meetings with parents provide a platform for face-to-face discussion. In addition, pupils are met at the school entrance each day by a senior member of staff and this provides an opportunity for face to face communication between parents and the school.

Ability grouped lessons
Pupils are grouped for English and Maths lessons according to their ability and are given work that is matched to their academic needs and skills. Teaching for all other subjects is done in tutor groups. Teaching is tailored to the learning styles of our pupils with an emphasis on multi-sensory approaches.  These factors have been found to contribute to marked increases in self-esteem and attitudes to learning.

Extra-curricular activities
In addition to providing a varied curriculum, Fairley House enables its’ pupils to flourish by offering a range of lunchtime and after-school clubs.  These currently include Football, Fencing, Warhammer, Art, Debating, Cookery and Girls’ Club. For many pupils’, clubs provide an opportunity to demonstrate their talents outside of the classroom and in this way, build their self-confidence and self-esteem. The school also encourages pupils to learn a musical instrument and many have chosen to learn the guitar, saxophone, clarinet, piano and drums.

Recognising achievement
Pupils are rewarded for their effort and attainment in a number of ways. Star badges in the junior department and Credits in the Senior Department are given for meeting and exceeding expectations in behaviour and learning. In assemblies, pupils are able to show their work to the rest of the school. Outstanding achievement is acknowledged at end of term prize giving, where pupils are awarded certificates, cups and house shields.

PSHEE and Circle Time
PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health and Economics Education) is another platform for pastoral care. During PSHEE lessons topics such as making and keeping friends, coping with change, healthy lifestyles and learning strategies are discussed and new skills learnt. Circle Time is built into PSHEE and provides a safe and structured opportunity for children to raise any issues that concern them at school.

Mentoring
While form tutors are responsible for pastoral care of pupils in their tutor group, occasionally there is a need for a personal mentor, for child needing extra support around school.  This is normally a staff member whom a child knows already. Pupils will meet with their mentors on a daily, weekly or fortnightly basis to discuss issues, goals and progress.

Outside agencies
Occasionally, pupils and families may need to work with outside agencies to address issues concerning behaviour, learning and social interaction.   Where this arises, the school works closely with both parents and agencies to promote the best outcomes for the pupil concerned.

Lunch is prepared by outside caterers following our guidelines for healthy eating. Children have a choice of hot food, including a vegetarian option, salads and sandwiches. There is fruit every day and usually another desert. Teachers eat with the children to encourage a community feel. We also have healthy eating incentives where children can earn house points by choosing a well-balanced meal. We think that good nutrition is important for all children, but even more so for children with specific learning difficulties.