Welcome from the Interim Acting Headteacher
As Interim Acting Headteacher of Victoria School, I would like to welcome you and thank you for taking the time to find out about the work we do to educate and care for children and young adults.
Everyone who knows us or visits our school speaks of our distinct ethos. They notice the excellent relationships evident between students and staff, the purposeful environment and the fact that students are confident, happy and safe here.
Victoria School is a non-maintained, Ofsted-Good special school in Poole, Dorset offering specialised, high quality education, therapy and care for young people aged 3-19. In addition to this we now offer a residential transition service for 18-25 year olds.
Victoria is an exciting, innovative and dynamic place. Our vision is clear – we are a centre where successful learning and high levels of achievement prepare children and young adults for fulfilling future lives.
The students who attend Victoria have physical disabilities or complex medical/neurological conditions and many have additional needs including communication difficulties, learning difficulties and sensory impairments.
The centre boasts fantastic facilities which are used to the maximum potential by our dedicated and skilled staff team. Each one of our services has been carefully created by listening to our school and external community and we believe we have a centre that truly meets the needs of our young people, their families and our wider community. We welcome diversity in culture, religion and ability and we value the contribution that every child and young person makes.
We are fortunate to have outstanding, forward thinking staff, who continually develop their practice and work together to make sure all the young people have every chance to achieve their potential. With access to specialist technology and onsite health professionals, the progress they make is often astounding.
Children and young people come to us from across the country. Those living close enough come daily while others may stay in the ‘Horizons’ adult residential provision overnight for varying periods depending on need. Our residential services are open for 52 weeks of the year and can provide flexible short break packages. Wherever families live, we put a high priority on keeping in touch and making sure that parents and young people themselves are fully involved in making decisions.
I very much hope you find this website useful and informative and that you will want to find out more about Victoria School and what we do. Choosing a school is a daunting task for any parent; you obviously want the best! Please look around the website by clicking the links and using the drop down menus to find out more about us and what our young people achieve. Through the website and our social media platforms we try to convey a flavour of our centre but nothing gives as good an impression as a visit. We are always proud to show off our school and discuss with you the particular needs of your child. If you would like to arrange a visit, please contact us directly or use the link on this website.
Ed Potterton
Interim Acting Headteacher and DSL