Tel:

01454 412 194

Address:

Sheiling School
Park Road
Thornbury
Bristol BS35 1HP

Email:

mail@sheilingschool.org.uk

  

 

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The ethos of the Camphill Movement is inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). On the basis of his commitment to Rudolf Steiner’s ideals Dr. Karl König, (1902-1966), founded the Camphill Movement at Camphill House near Aberdeen in 1940.


At present there are over a hundred Camphill communities in twenty different countries in Europe, Africa and North America. These include schools, further education colleges and both rural and urban communities for adults.

The Sheiling School Camphill Community in Thornbury began in 1952.  ‘Sheiling’ is a Scottish name for ‘a shelter’.  The school started with children suffering from various degrees of cerebral palsy.  The peacefulness of the natural surroundings seemed most suitable for children who needed an education with a therapeutic pace of life, specific therapies and nursing care.  This work was carried on until 1963 when children with autism were also admitted.

"The Camphill Movement, founded in 1940, works to create communities in which vulnerable children and adults, many with learning difficulties, can live, learn and work with others in healthy social relationships based on mutual care and respect. Camphill is inspired by Christian ideals as articulated by Rudolf Steiner.

The Camphill Movement is based on the acceptance of the spiritual uniqueness of each human being, regardless of disability or religious or racial background.”

Mission Statement of the Camphill Movement

Since then we have built more residential houses, a spacious hall with adjacent classrooms, an indoor heated swimming pool, a purpose built therapy building and gym and very well-equipped craft workshops.

Our philosophy is that every child matters and over the past 55 years we have developed our practice and provision to meet the individual needs of every child. 

The staffing model in Camphill schools is an unusual feature of our provision.   Much of the management, care and education is carried out by long term live-in volunteers and all those who are responsible for personal care, whom we call co-workers, live full time in the houses with the pupils.  Please see the section on Home Life for more information.

Recommended Literature

  • Holistic Special Education
    Camphill Principles and Practice
    Ed. Robin Jackson. Floris Books (2006)

  • Education for Special Needs
    Principles and practice  IN Camphill Schools.
    Henning Hansmann. Floris Books (1992)

  • Autism – A Holistic Approach
    Bob Woodward & Dr Marga Hogenboom. Floris Books (2002)

  • A Candle on the Hill
    Images of Camphill Life.
    Ed. Cornelius Pietzner. Floris Books (1990)

  • Children in need of Special Care
    Thomas J Weiss. Souvenir Press (2000)

  • Spiritual Healing with Children with Special Needs
    Bob Woodward. Jessica Kingsley (2007)

  • Children with Special Needs : Rudolf Steiner’s Approach
    Michael Luxford. Floris Books (2006)

 

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