Headteacher

KISIMUL GROUP is a long-established provider of quality education and care services to children and young adults with complex learning difficulties, challenging behaviour, autism and global developmental delay. Twice winners of The Teacher of the Year Award (Excellence in Special Needs Teaching - East Midlands Region), we are committed to providing excellent teaching and continuity of service to very vulnerable young people for whom drastic change is overwhelming.

THE KISIMUL GROUP now has three schools: two in Lincolnshire - The Old Vicarage at Swinderby and Acacia Hall in Friesthorpe, and a new school, Woodstock House, in Long Ditton, Surrey. All three Kisimul schools offer a specialised care and educational program to children with severe learning difficulties, autism and challenging behaviour. All our children have global developmental delays and communication problems.

The Kisimul Schools in Lincolnshire are both home and school for up to 68 pupils, with 37 residential places within houses at The Old Vicarage and 31 residential places at Acacia Hall. Woodstock House currently has 18 residential places available but this will increase as the site develops over the next two years.

The original Kisimul School was established in The Old Vicarage in Swinderby, in 1977. Pronounced "kishmul" the name comes from Kisimul Castle which overlooks one of the safest harbours in the British Isles. Like their namesake, Kisimul Schools are a safe haven, providing care and protection for their pupils whilst preparing them for the journey ahead. The original school building still accommodates many of the children of our Lower School.

Kisimul Upper School, opened in 2004 for children from 16 - 19 years, is located in Acacia Hall in seven acres of grounds in a small village to the north of Lincoln. Our newest school, Woodstock House, opened in May 2008 in Long Ditton, Surrey. This beautiful Edwardian house in its stunning country grounds will eventually offer Kisimul's quality services to up to 60 pupils with learning disabilities, aged from 8 to 19. All of our schools and homes are within easy reach of towns and major road and rail arteries, making it easy to keep in touch.]

The schools offer a very high staff ratio (usually at least 1:1), small groups at all times, a consistent, structured approach and speech therapy, music therapy, HANDLE play therapy and aromatherapy. Residential care is on a 38, 50 &;amp; 52 weeks basis per year and is committed to a non-aversive approach. We follow a broad and balanced curriculum including a modified National Curriculum, and offer an extensive range of therapeutic and developmental programmes, including speech and language therapy, music therapy, aromatherapy, HANDLE, EASIE and structured play development. The Post-16 curriculum is underpinned by a wide variety of ASDAN programmes, through which the pupils gain external accreditation.

Our schools and houses are well-equipped and the bedrooms bright, warm and friendly. There are soft play areas, multi-sensory rooms, and adventure playgrounds. At Swinderby we have our own large indoor swimming pool, and at Acacia Hall a little farm with characterful animals!

Most teachers working at Kisimul have extra qualifications for working with children with special needs and/or many years experience. Classroom assistants and Care staff have NVQs, Learning Support Certificates, or other suitable qualifications and experience. Most staff are of very long standing and staff turn-over is low.