The Classroom
The structure of attending school and education is seen as an essential and important part of the programme.
Three teachers and a teaching assistant staff the classroom at Simmons House. They are employed by the London Borough of Haringey Children and Young People's Service. In common with psychiatric adolescent units in England and Wales, the local Children's Service in which the unit is based takes responsibility for the recruitment, management and training of teaching staff.
Simmons House teaching staff are part of a larger provision with the Haringey Children and Young People's Service: Haringey Learning Partnership, based in Wood Green, London N22 8DZ.
Ofsted inspected Haringey Learning Partnership (then known as Haringey Tuition Centre) together with the classroom at Simmons House in April 2018. The report can be viewed on the Ofsted website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.
The report notes that 'the quality of education at Simmons House continues to be outstanding.'
Lessons begin at 10.00 am each morning when pupils are collected from the unit sitting room by teaching staff and escorted to the classroom.
The first lesson finishes at 10.45 and the group return to the sitting room for a break and refreshments. Second lesson begins at 11.00 and ends at 11.45.
Curriculum
What will I be learning?
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We teach a broad range of subjects to an individualised curriculum. We aim to provide whatever is best for the learner; from English and Maths to Geology and Driving Theory. You will be made aware of your learning choices, and we will try to accommodate any particular interests you have.
There is a strong arts programme and many students often try learning a new instrument or experiment with new arts or craft skills.
Will I be able to do my exams?
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Yes, we are a registered exam centre and have a good exam record. This summer (2022) 7 students sat GCSE exams in 18 different subjects from four exam boards.
We currently offer qualifications including Functional Skills, GCSE’s, A-Levels, BTEC, Entry Level Certificates, British Safety Council Certificates, Arts Awards and AQA Unit Awards.
If you are on-roll at a school already, we will liaise with them so that you can sit any exams you are ready for here at Simmons House.
Will I be doing the same as the rest of the class?
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You will be in a mixed age and ability classroom and will have an individual curriculum that is suited to your level, so each student will often be doing different work from each other. If there is an opportunity to work with other students on any group work or projects, we will encourage this if we think it would be useful and if you are comfortable with it.
There are two classrooms here at Simmons House. The main classroom is generally busier and more suitable for group work. The other classroom is smaller and quieter, which some students find more comfortable to work in.
Can I continue at my local school?
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We will make contact with your school and, if it is useful, we will continue with school-work from them.
You may also be partially re-integrated back into your school to receive tuition if this will be beneficial for you.
What happens after my stay?
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Prior to discharge from Simmons House plans will be put in place for you to re-integrate back to your school, access a college place, start at a new school, alternative education placement or training provision.
This transition will be carefully planned and managed, and will vary for each student. It may involve a gradual integration to the new provision to get you accustomed to it.
Trips & Projects
Museum of London
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An annual favourite with our young people, the Museum of London offers workshops on a different theme each year. Expert guides use a hands-on approach to engage learners to interact with an aspect of local history through story-telling
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Work Experience
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Where appropriate we endeavour to facilitate work placements for young people. We have forged good relationships with several charity shops in the area, as well as a local book shop. Most recently one of our young people has been taking part in work experience sessions at James Smith & Sons, a 193 year old umbrella shop on Tottenham Court Rd.
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Housebound Library Service
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We liase with the Housebound Library Service who bring a selection of books each month. The library can provide books to cater to a range of interests and reading levels or on a selected theme
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Local Garden Expert
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We appreciate regular visits from a local gardener who helps guide us on the use of our allotment. The allotment includes vegetables, herbs, flowers and a sensory garden. Vegetables and herbs are used in our weekly cooking sessions. Young people participate in planning, planting, maintenance and harvesting and benefit hugely from the encouragement and knowledge of our local expert.
if desired.