Personal Development at Barrs Court School

At Barrs Court School, personal development is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that supporting pupils’ wellbeing, independence, communication and confidence is fundamental to their learning, happiness and future success.

Our pupils have a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities, and we recognise that personal development looks different for every child and young person. We therefore take a highly personalised, inclusive and nurturing approach, ensuring that all pupils are supported to thrive in ways that are meaningful to them.

What Personal Development Means at Barrs Court

Personal development at Barrs Court supports pupils to:

• Feel safe, valued and a strong sense of belonging

• Understand and manage their emotions with appropriate support

• Communicate their needs, feelings and choices using methods that work for them

• Build positive, respectful relationships with others

• Develop independence in daily life and routines

• Learn how to keep themselves safe, including online and in the community

• Prepare, as far as possible, for adulthood, employment and community participation

Personal development is not taught in isolation. It is embedded across the school day through:

• PSHE and Relationships, Sex and Health Education

• Physical Education and healthy lifestyle learning

• Life skills and food technology

• Careers education and preparation for adulthood

• Enrichment activities and community access

• Strong relationships, routines and daily interactions

A Whole-School Approach

We take a whole-school approach to personal development. All staff work consistently to support pupils’ emotional wellbeing, communication, independence and social development throughout the day. Learning is practical, supportive and rooted in real-life experiences so that pupils can apply their skills beyond the classroom.

Our approach is adapted across our pre-formal, semi-formal and formal pathways, ensuring that every pupil can access personal development learning at the right level and pace for them.

Working in Partnership

We work closely with parents, carers and external professionals to ensure that personal development support is consistent, meaningful and responsive to pupils’ needs. Progress is celebrated in many forms and recognised as highly individual.

Our Personal Development Strategy

Our full approach to personal development is set out in our Personal Development Strategy, which explains our vision, principles and how personal development is delivered and monitored across the school.