School Statement

 

May 2009

Community and Location

Carlson is a U5, Decile 4, state funded special school for children with Cerebral Palsy and similar conditions. It is a regional school, in that students travel from the greater Auckland region. Our students are verified high or very high needs under the Ongoing Reviewable Resourcing Scheme. Carlson has the capacity to enroll students from 5 - 21 years of age

The student roll sits around sixty two.  Staffing comprises teachers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech language therapists and support staff totalling approximately 70 (some are part time). The school is situated in park-like surroundings in a prime location in Epsom, alongside Three Kings Primary School. A strong link exists between the schools. We share a state-of-the-art hall, which is a wonderful asset. Carlson students enjoy social and academic mainstream opportunities at Three Kings Primary School.

We operate a SMILE Centre (sensory motor integrated learning environment) for pre-school children aged two and half to five years on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. The SMILE programme is especially designed to provide intensive therapy through a pre-school teaching programme. Children are supported on a one to one basis by specially trained and qualified staff. families are encouraged to attend and participate in this unique programme.  On Monday afternoons the Carlson Parent and Baby Group meets.

The Carlson Community Kindergarten which caters for mainstream children, is sited in the school complex. Carlson children have the opportunity to integrate (with support) during sessions with their mainstream peers. This facilitates an acceptance of disability on the part of the regular kindergarten attendees and their families, and at the same time the kindergarten children are role models for Carlson children.

Also on site is the Carlson Toy Library which serves the local community.

All students have Individual Education Programmes which are developed through consultation with families and staff. For many of our students communication is a key goal. ICT development has enhanced students abilities to read, write and communicate with each other and those around them. Students are highly motivated by computer programmes, and the ability of non-verbal students to read and write is enhanced by computer technology. Other students who are more cognitively able, find that the computer speeds their ability to complete numeracy and literacy tasks.

New Facilities

Over the past few years all of our school has been rebuilt or refurbished to reflect the needs of teaching and learning at Carlson. The site now boasts custom designed physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech language therapy suites, new or upgraded classrooms, a sensory room and room for performing arts.

We have upgraded our outdoor environments and have created attractive interactive areas for learning and recreation.

Satellite Classes

Our satellite classes at Oranga Primary and Waikowhai Intermediate offer our students the benefit of Carlson programmes and staffing, as well as socialising and participation in school life alongside their mainstream peers.

We are proud to celebrate 55 years of service to our special students.