Intensive Interaction

Intensive Interaction is a teaching approach devised and validated by Dave Hewett and Melanie Nind in 1988, derived partly from work on early infant interactions by Gary Ephraim. Essentially it is the means by which pre-verbal children or adults are enabled to accept and enjoy close physical proximity, meaningful eye-contact, turn taking, and all the other key elements which are essential to create a full and reciprocal communicative exchange.

Staff first observe what a pupil enjoys doing and then aim to be MORE engaging, motivating, rewarding, stimulating, enjoyable, predictable and communicative to enable the individual to engage. We use imitation as a primary method of engagement and follow the child’s lead to enable them to retain control of the interactions. Intensive Interaction has proved to be the means through which many pupils have moved from introspective, needs driven relationships to becoming true interactive communicative partners communicating through enjoyment and with a genuine desire to do so.

Parents are involved in developing programmes that can be followed in the home and we have been lucky enough to have Dave Hewett, one of the co-originators of the approach, come and do a days training within the school. Intensive Interaction training is offered to other schools by staff from Brookfields.

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