Riverston Plus

Since 1926 Riverston School has enjoyed a well earned reputation for its work with children of all abilities especially those requiring learning support. Riverston as a matter of principle has always been non-selective in its intake. Our aim is to help all pupils maximize their potential – whatever that may be and in whichever area of the curriculum most interests them.

Riverston has the capabilities, facilities, understanding, commitment and determination to help boys and girls from 12 months to 16 years of age with a wide range of learning difficulties – yet remains a mainstream school enabling the majority of pupils to achieve exemplary GCSE and vocational results.

Unique in the local area Riverston does not have the same pressure as its competitors where examination league tables are the principal focus, but can openly focus on the needs of the individual child by catering for pupils of all abilities. At Riverston we highly value these young people and work hard to help them achieve their full potential.

Entry to Riverston is based on an initial interview and observations during the child’s assessment visit. Those deemed to require learning support will be assessed privately and an individual education program (IEP) will be devised with the input

‘When most schools hear the words Special Needs they
shy away, but not Riverston. We were asked to come
in for a chat and we have never looked back since.
Additional support is given to our daughter where
and when required in lessons. The day we knew we
had made the right decision was when our daughter
came home from school and told us she was a school
monitor. Inclusion really counts!’

from a wide range of professionals as well as parents. (NB: If a pupil requires a formal Statement of Special Educational Needs our staff can assist parents in the preparation of this documentation for their local authority and support at tribunals. Riverston also follows the Code of Practice for students with Statements. However we principally look for those students who will flourish once offered timely affirmation, appropriate challenges and outstanding pastoral care. Many students surprise their parents and more importantly themselves by what they actually achieve at Riverston.

Whilst many pupils may require additional learning support, wherever possible all students attend full-time mainstream lessons except for those periods determined by their individual educational programs when they are taught individually or in small groups.

Pupils are appropriately and sympathetically taught by specialist subject teachers and there is regular liaison between our learning support team and fellow teachers. Riverston offers wide-ranging types of specialist provision including dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, speech language problems, emotional and trauma issues and those on the Autism spectrum (ASD).

Riverston is supported by consultant speech language therapists, educational psychologists, occupational therapists, doctors and a physiotherapist. Links with external agencies including health authorities, social services and educational welfare specialists are also well established.

‘Riverston is one of the few independent schools courageous
enough to take on children of mixed ability. During my son’s
six years with the school, the staff were always welcoming,
flexible and supportive.’

Our pastoral care is second-to-none and with ‘tender loving care’ pupils soon become independent learners able to achieve their full potential within their peer group as well as with coursework, examinations and study skills.

‘My son’s transition to Riverston has exceeded all hopes
and expectations. he immediately felt valued and a sense
of belonging and has developed friendships - an area of
difficulty for him at his primary school. Staff were very quick
to show a clear understanding of his academic strengths
and weaknesses and he is thriving. ‘I don’t like school’ is
no longer his mantra and for the first time he is DOING HIS
HOMEWORK. After just four weeks my child is transformed.’

Our learning support department is fully-resourced with computers and a wide range of teaching materials. Good liaison between the school, parents, pupils and where appropriate the Local Authorities is undertaken on a regular basis in addition to the Annual Review. Parents and other stakeholders are welcome to contact the school for further discussion at any time subject to staff availability. Whilst the curriculum constantly evolves throughout the school our learning support program remains key and whenever and wherever possible pupils are fully integrated with the rest of the school.

Securing this kind of success is hard work for everyone involved. It takes skill and the type of dedication rarely found in modern schools. We believe it can only be found in a school where the right values and ethos thrives.

Drawing on nearly 100 years of educational commitment and outstanding pastoral care Riverston has a remarkable track record in helping students exceed expectations.
 

Please note that students requiring additional support may be liable for extra charges, in addition to a seperate fee structure.

For further information on Riverston School and how it can assist your child please refer to: www.riverstonschool.co.uk or contact Mrs Sarah Salathiel, Headmistress on Tel: 020 8318 4327, or via email c/o jclubb@riverstonschool.co.uk