Chailey Heritage School
is a day and residential non-maintained special school for children with complex physical disabilities and associated learning problems. The school works closely with South Downs Health Authority, with whom it shares a site. Chailey Heritage is near Lewes in East Sussex.

Chailey Heritage School was founded in 1903 by Dame Grace Kimmins, a pioneer of education for disabled children suffering from rickets, TB and even malnutrition.Today the disabilities and associated learning difficulties are much more complex. Nearly all the pupils are wheelchair users, some are visually impaired and many have severe sensory and learning difficulties. Whilst the majority of children, who range in age from two to 19 years, suffer from cerebral palsy, some of these youngsters have very rare syndromes indeed. Very few will ever be able to lead an independent life.

This has meant that the School has had to review its facilities, and has embarked on a major building programme preparing for the future.

In 2003 we launched our Centenary Buildings Appeal to update the Primary Department and the 16+ Department. To date, the bulk of the funding has been raised through charitable donations, and includes a significant contribution from the School. As a result, the rebuilding of our new Primary Department was completed on time and on budget, and the children moved into their new classrooms.

Vision:

At Chailey Heritage School we will value and respect all individuals needs, abilities and personalities and teach pupils self advocacy. A multi disciplinary team will provide a safe, fun and stimulating learning environment where young people feel confident and motivated to reach their individual, educational, physical, social, emotional and communicative potential.

We will nurture and support pupils to equip them with the essential life skills to take them through childhood, into adult life and beyond to a wider community.

Our Chailey Heritage Charter states that all children and young people have the following fundamental rights:

• To be valued as an individual
• To be treated with dignity and respect
• To be cared for as a child first
• To be safe  

On a single site, education, residential, therapy and health services work together with families to meet the needs of each individual pupil.

 Aims:

• To challenge pupils according to their individual abilities in a variety of different contexts – educationally, physically, emotionally, socially and creatively – so that each pupil is fully able to reach his/her potential.
• To give appropriate emphasis to communication, mobility and independence.  Depending on the needs of the individual, these vital skills will be promoted and integrated into the daily timetable.
• To provide a curriculum (including the National Curriculum) which is stimulating, fun and appropriate to each pupil’s age and abilities.
• To provide a caring environment in which pupils feel safe, valued as individuals and are treated with respect and dignity.
• To create an enriching environment that provides a wide range of exciting educational and social opportunities and experiences for all pupils.
• To prepare pupils and their families for their next step – from Chailey Heritage School to their new community – through an effective transition programme which involves pupils in decision making.
• To promote inclusion in local community groups and where appropriate, to support pupils to attend part or full time in mainstream schools.
• To encourage a working partnership with parents/guardians and extended families for each pupil’s individual benefit.