Horticultural Therapy

Horticultural Therapy uses gardening as a means of improving pupils’ health and well-being and is available to the majority of pupils.

Lessons would be designed depending on pupil-group, but could include:

developing pupils’ practical or social skills, confidence or self-esteem

adapting projects to the needs of individual pupils

helping pupils to learn basic skills, including numeracy and literacy

providing supportive outdoor activity and exercise to build strength and mobility

supporting and encouraging pupils, monitoring their progress in meeting their objectives

supporting pupils in gaining horticultural qualifications or going on to open or supported employment

working closely with other professionals, teachers and physiotherapists

Typical work activities include:

supporting individuals to use a diary

maintaining individual portfolios of evidence of work

adapting equipment and techniques for pupils with mobility or sensory impairments

designing and implementing horticultural programmes with pupils

teaching individuals horticultural tasks such as sowing seeds, setting out plants, moving compost bags, planting out, lawn mowing, soil preparation and pruning

demonstrating the use of tools and materials to ensure they are used safely

helping individuals to record their tasks by writing simple summaries or drawing pictures

helping individuals to develop confidence and self-esteem through their work

assisting individuals to improve their social and practical horticulture skills

encouraging pupils to enjoy working in the garden

Are there any needs that the school does not support?

Yes, there are. We are not able to support pupils who have SEMH, SEBD or young people who do not have a learning difficulty.

Do I have to live in West Berkshire for my child to attend the school?

No, you do not have to live in West Berkshire. Currently, we have pupils who live in West Berkshire, Reading, Oxfordshire, Wokingham, Hampshire, Slough and Bracknell.

Does my child need to have a Statement or an EHCP to come to the school?

Yes, your child will need to have a Statement or an EHCP.

How do I arrange a visit to the school?

If you would like to visit the school, please contact the school office on 0118 942 1382.

How do I contact the school?

Please call the school on 01189421382. You can also email the schools office on [email protected]

Brookfields School
Sage Road
Tilehurst
Reading
Berkshire
RG31 6SW

Please note: If you are using SATNAV travelling to the school, please use this postcode RG31 6GG.

If I want my child to attend Brookfields School, what should I do?

We would encourage you to visit Brookfields School as well as other schools in the area so that you are able to make an informed choice. If you think that Brookfields School would be right for your child, you will need to contact your Local Authority to inform them of your decision. We are not able to admit pupils to the school with out agreement from West Berkshire Local Authority and the Local Authority who publish your child’s Statement/EHCP.

As a school, we have to be sure that we are able to meet your child’s needs, that have the provision to meet those needs, an appropriate peer group for them and also a space within that peer group.

What happens on a snow day?

Every effort is made to keep the school open during bad weather, but in the event of the weather conditions deteriorating beyond what is manageable and safe, the Headteacher may make a decision to close the school.

If we have to close the school at short notice, transport companies will be informed and a recorded message will be left on our telephone system (0118 9421382). You will also be able to get an update by listening to these local radio stations such as Radio Berkshire on 94.6 MHz, 95.4 MHz, 104.1 MHz, 104.4 MHz & DAB

What is the age range of the school?

The ages of 3 through to 19 years old.

What special needs does the school support?

The primary need of pupils who attend the school is a learning difficulty, either moderate, severe or a profound and multiple learning difficulty. Pupils may have additional needs such as Autism, ADHD, a physical impairment or a sensory impairment.

Where can I find out more about the work of the school?

We hope that you will find what you are looking for on our website. You can also find out about the school from our website West Berkshires Local Offer. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please contact the school.

Where can I get a school uniform?

The school uniform can be purchased directly from the school. If you would like to place an order, please contact the school office on 0118 942 1382.

Or from this address www.pbuniform-online.co.uk/brookfields

Where is the school located?

Brookfields School is part of West Berkshire Local Authority and is located in Tilehurts, Reading, Berkshire.

Who do I call if my child is sick?

If you need to report your child absent please call the school office on 0118 942 1382.

Brookfields School

Specialist SEN School