Welcome to Lighthouse School

Lighthouse School formally opens its doors to the first group of students on September 3 2012. This date marks the end of a long period of a sustained and intensive process of investigation, negotiation and consultation by a group of very determined, creative and resilient families who, several years ago, dreamt of creating an outstanding school to meet the needs of young autistic people. As the first Headteacher of Lighthouse School I feel privileged to be entrusted with the leadership of a learning community that aims, so profoundly, to enhance and  extend the learning, inclusion and life opportunities of the pupils and families whom it serves. Welcome.

We now begin the exciting process of establishing our identity as a school. This will be done through the creation of a unique curriculum, woven around the needs and strengths of the individual student and delivered by a skilled and committed staff team who place the student at the heart of all that is done. Autism specific interventions, teaching and support of the highest quality, individualised learning pathways within Lighthouse and those of our partner schools and colleges will provide a solid base on which all of our students will progress, thrive and achieve.

A wide range of motivating and inspiring learning opportunities, challenges and experiences await the students of Lighthouse; all of which are aimed at improving social, communication, life, self-help, academic and vocational skills. Our pupils will achieve carefully determined targets as they move through school and will be prepared for life after school.  Lighthouse will be proactive in supporting our community partners in understanding, preparing for and including our students into their settings, be that a school, office, university, shop, college or factory. The personal aspirations of each student and their families will drive our practice.

We recognise the difficulties faced by many families of children with autism; parents often tell how they feel marginalised and excluded, describing the ‘battles’ they have had to fight to make even the smallest step of progress. Lighthouse will provide families with a network of support, becoming a community hub in which students, parents, carers and professionals all contribute to provide a mutually supportive and trusting environment that promotes and enhances the well being and achievement of all those involved.

As the new Head of Lighthouse I am delighted to join such a dynamic, effective and inspiring team as we prepare to provide a beacon of excellence in autism education for our young people and their families.

Tim Gleave