The Shires really does believe that Every Child Matters

The Shires is fully committed to ensuring the students’ health, welfare and safety, and to this end has established excellent relationships with a wide range of external agencies. The care and education settings work in close partnership with local authorities. Regular meetings ensure that stated aims are achieved and that professional dialogue leads to best practice for the students concerned. Full attention is given to each of the five elements of the ‘Every Child Matters’ agenda to ensure that each student:

stays safe

• the building is secure, safe and maintained to an exceptionally high standard
• high levels of staff ensure that students are closely supervised at all times
• PSHE programmes help students to learn how to protect themselves from danger
• rigorous recruitment and vetting procedures ensure students are safely cared for by CRB-cleared staff

is healthy

• the school employs experienced cooks who plan and prepare individual menus to meet students’ dietary needs
• students engage in regular physical exercise both during the school day and during their leisure time – swimming is a weekly activity for all students
• students regularly take part in long walks around the local area
• students learn about healthy eating through their scientific work

enjoys and achieves

• activities are appropriately challenging so that students enjoy their learning and achieve their potential
• students have access to a wide range of recreational activities
• strong links between home and school strengthen the overall provision

makes a positive contribution

• students are encouraged to take responsibility and to develop skills of independence
• good behaviour is encouraged through positive reinforcement
• emphasis is placed on ensuring the students encounter a wide range of different cultures and traditions
• students’ achievements are celebrated and valued so that they have good levels of self-esteem and confidence

achieves economic well-being

• students learn basic life skills so that they can function as independently as possible
• there is a strong focus on teaching students the basic skills of literacy and numeracy and in helping them communicate their needs
• students benefit from a very good quality of education and care so that they can thrive both academically and in their personal lives