WELCOME TO OVERLEY HALL SCHOOL

Once described as a "Victorian Jumble" with a history dating from 1882, Overley Hall is a co-educational, independent, residential Special School offering education and care for children with Severe Learning Difficulties, Autism, Epilepsy and associated challenging behaviours.

It is set in extensive grounds containing secluded play areas, a walled kitchen garden, pool and wooded area within the heart of Shropshire countryside.

The age range of the children is from nine to nineteen years. Children may join the School at any age within the age group. All the children at Overley have statements of Special Educational Need.

PUPILS
The catchment area served by the School is the whole of the UK. Overley Hall offers a new beginning and support for children and young adults, whose educational, managerial, social, emotional and behavioural needs can best be met by residential, special education.

These are students who are unable to participate in, or benefit from, regular classroom activities, and because of the nature of their difficulties, home and family become unable to meet their needs. These are the children who, prior to The Education Act of 1970, were deemed "uneducable". In order to help such children, the School provides combined living and learning approach in an environment offering consistency, care and support with many and varied opportunities for success. Where desired, a fifty-two week placement is offered.

ADMISSION
The criteria for admission are in accordance with the procedure of the 1981 Education Act. Referrals are usually submitted to the Head of School or Head of Care and accompanied by a Statement of "Special Educational Need" and relevant reports. Should the School then consider that it can provide appropriate education and meet other special needs, parents/guardians/placing officers and other professionals concerned with the child are invited to visit, when there will be an opportunity to see the School facilities, curriculum and record keeping system. Any queries arising should be raised with the Senior Management.

A reciprocal visit to see the child, either in School or Home setting, is made by The Head of School and Head of Care. Overley Hall believes that, prior to admission, it is important that the child also visits the School. In some instances, care workers, and teachers involved, visit the School; this eases the transition period and provides opportunity for staff to discuss any special needs of the child and provide advice on day to day care and management - this applies in particular, to a child whose behaviour can be difficult.

OFSTED INSPECTION - MARCH 2006
Overley Hall School had a glowing report from Ofsted Inspectors when they visited in March 2006. They said it was "a good educational experience for its students"

It adds "The very good relationships between staff and students result in a positive non threatening learning environment in which students are able to participate and achieve success"

The report praises the teaching team for providing a high quality of education for students in safe, well managed learning environments and ensuring high levels of engagement of it's students through skilled teaching and high standards of care.