The Shires at Stretton is an
independent residential special school for young people,
between the ages of 11 and 19, with autism and severe
learning difficulties, some of whom may also have
challenging behaviour. It combines first rate residential
care and accommodation with a very rigorous curriculum
designed to meet the individual needs of all students.
The Shires is located in the village of Stretton in Rutland,
which is between Stamford and Grantham and very close to the A1,
enabling easy access. The school itself is an attractive former rectory
that has undergone an extensive programme of
rebuilding and refurbishment. There are secure and
spacious grounds, which are being developed in phases to ensure
that they provide stimulating outdoor facilities to
complement the attractive indoor teaching areas.
The school caters for young people who attend on a
residential basis, for 52 weeks per year, and a small
number of day students. There is a very strong policy of
inclusion and The Shires is non-denominational. The
Shires welcomes and supports young men and women from all
backgrounds, faiths and cultures, and students can be drawn from all over the United Kingdom
and other countries.
The aim is to give every one of our very special young
people the best opportunity to develop as full and
rewarding a life as possible.
High staff to student ratio
The Shires has high numbers of care staff to meet the needs of all students
and to ensure their wellbeing and health and safety.
There is always one-to-one support and often two-to-one support for each student plus an extra member of staff to go where needed. Frequently, staffing levels are higher than this so that students can enjoy taking part in a wide variety of challenging activities, particularly off site. At night, there are at least three waking night staff for every six students. Waking night staff are supported by additional 'sleep-in' staff who have attractive and individual rooms on the upper floor of the building and who can be called upon during the night if necessary.
