Outreach

Bradstow School is a specialist residential provision for autistic children and young people with multiple learning disabilities. 87% of our children are non-speaking or have extremely limited vocalisation, relying on eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, posture, use of objects and body language to express themselves. Many of our children are also physically impaired or living with significant comorbidities. Our children and young people are statistically more likely to encounter substantial societal barriers when seeking a fulfilling and flourishing life. Our responsibility is to help address these barriers as best we can.

We believe it is essential that we reach out to the broader community because:

Promoting Inclusivity: Community outreach helps break down barriers and fosters inclusivity by showcasing the abilities and talents of our children. This can help dispel stereotypes and foster a more accepting and inclusive community.

Raising Awareness: Outreach activities provide an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges faced by our children and the importance of inclusive education. This increased awareness can lead to greater support for policies and initiatives that promote equality and accessibility.

Building Support Networks: Community outreach allows the school to connect with other organisations, businesses, and individuals who may be able to provide support or resources for our children and their families. Building these support networks can enhance the school's ability to meet the needs of its students.

Educating the Community: Outreach activities provide an opportunity to inform the community about various conditions, adaptive technologies, and strategies for inclusion. This can help foster empathy, understanding, and support for all individuals.

Empowering Pupils: Involving our students in community outreach activities can empower them by providing leadership, advocacy, and self-expression opportunities. It can also help build their confidence and social skills.

Fostering Collaboration: Community outreach encourages collaboration between the school, families, and the broader community to create a more supportive environment for our children. This collaboration can lead to developing innovative solutions and programmes to address the unique needs of autistic people. More news is coming soon...

Community outreach activities are crucial in promoting inclusion, raising awareness, building support networks, educating the community, empowering pupils, and fostering collaboration.