Welcome

Allenvale is part of the special education network provision for the Canterbury region.

Allenvale School provides education in a specialist setting with specialist trained teachers and therapists who are supported by competent teacher assistants. The school has excellent resources. It has a history of effectively meeting the pastoral and academic needs of its students.

Allenvale School is an option for parents to consider if their child is verified to receive ORS (Ongoing Resourcing Scheme).

It is my view that flexible pathways are the key to meeting the needs of children and young persons with disability. These students may receive their education in several settings that may include specialist schools, satellite units, or mainstream and transition settings. The programmes are designed to meet the needs of these young people while at the same time affording flexibility in placement.

It is always pertinent to review a student’s placement during their enrolment in a specialist setting, to ensure that the best possible learning outcomes are being achieved and the placement is the most appropriate.

Internationally, a range of options for students with disabilities have been maintained in spite of the academic rhetoric of some who believe that all segregated settings are restrictive and the least effective option. There is very limited comparative research on learning outcomes between inclusive and segregated settings.

Allenvale School is the lead school for transition services (post school) in Christchurch. This service supports eight secondary and special schools to build their capability to transition students successfully from school. Support is provided by way of a regularly updated toolkit, professional development, critical intervention and community contacts. The service will expand in the future. It is funded by the participant schools and the Ministry of Education.

The school also has three specialist areas in addition to the developmental, intermediate and senior classes. There is a unit for younger students with autism, a transition programme for senior students and a unit for the more profoundly disabled.

We currently have one satellite unit that is located at Westburn Primary School. It is the intention of the board of trustees to develop, in consultation with the Ministry of Education, additional units during 2012 as part of the review of special education provision in Canterbury between the Ministry of Education and the three special schools.

It is also intended to develop a satellite facility in a tertiary setting to support students from this school and students from schools who are involved in our Lead School Transition Services.

The school provides a safe and nurturing environment. We have high expectations for student achievement and for social and self care skill development. Students are encouraged to extend themselves in all areas of their lives. We have robust self review processes to ensure that we continuously reflect on our learning and teaching, procedures and practices.

Allenvale School has a progressive culture with a focus on continuous improvement.

Our school has a commitment to raising the achievement of all students including our Maori students. Along with student achievement targets, we have a specific strategy for Maori student achievement.

We welcome your enquiry. Please contact the school directly for further information or to arrange an appointment to visit.

Graeme H Daniel
Principal