Watergate is Lewisham’s primary special school for children, between the ages of three and eleven years, who have severe learning difficulties. Our pupils have a variety of individual needs. A significant number of our pupils have a diagnosis of autism. There is a small number of pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties. Some pupils have additional physical and sensory disabilities.
Watergate offers a personalized curriculum tailored to individual needs, modified as appropriate, from the National Curriculum. Our learning environment is designed to meet the very specific and individual requirements of our pupils. Our large hard-working staff are passionate about the education of our pupils and have specialist qualifications, training, expertise, knowledge, and skills in the field of Special Educational Needs.
At Watergate pupils’ learning and achievement is our priority. We provide excellent and motivating education, tailored to individual needs in a safe and secure environment. Success is celebrated independence is encouraged
Everyone is valued, respected as an individual and is eager to learn with enjoyment. The school has a fun, motivating, and happy atmosphere where pupils reach their full potential. We make a difference in our pupils’ lives.
The school has accommodation for 100 pupils. There are currently 12 class groups in the school with nine pupils in each class. Every class is staffed by a teacher, Nursery Nurse(s) or a Higher level teaching assistant (HLTA), Teaching Assistants (TAs), and Midday Meals Supervisor(s). Pupils are placed in class groups according to their age. Children are taught as a class group, in small groups, or individually. Some classes are designed to meet the needs of pupils who need a very structured learning environment and minimal distraction (children with autism) and some classes are designed for learners who need highly stimulating and multi-sensory environments. There is a focused ability-based English/ Communication lesson for thirty minutes each day.
Our school is supported by a large team of health professionals. These include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists. We also have visiting teachers for the hearing impaired, visually impaired, and dual sensory impaired.
