It is the school's goal to ensure that all co-workers have a successful and fulfilling experience whilst working in the school's holistic environment.

Life in the House

The pupils, who are aged between 7 and 19, live in several different households.  Each house has one or two houseparents.  

New co-workers are asked to care for one or more children in the house and to take responsibility for some domestic tasks.  Under the guidance of the houseparent they assist pupils with general personal care and in learning a range of domestic tasks and social skills.

During school hours co-workers also have an active role in supporting the education programme.  The co-worker builds up a close relationship with the children and the personal satisfaction in such a task can be very great. 

You will not be alone.  On the school site there are generally fourteen or so volunteer workers aged between 18 and early twenties, and in our sister community (for adults with special needs) right next door there is a similar group of about fourteen young volunteer workers.

Co-worker Accommodation

Accommodation is in private bedrooms.

A Typical Day

A typical weekday timetable is as follows:

• 7.30 The children are woken and start getting ready for breakfast.
• 8.00 Breakfast, followed by household tasks.
• 9.15 - 10.30 Children in school for 'Main Lesson'.  Co-workers usually spend this period in the house.
• 10.30 Co-workers go to school to help supervise children's break time.
• 11.00 - 12.30 Co-workers are in school to help children in further lessons or craft workshop activities.
• 1.00 Lunch in the house, followed by washing up, etc. (Vegetarian meals are available at all times).
• Rest Hour - a quiet time for everyone!
• 2.30 - 4.30 Co-workers in school to help with afternoon lessons or craft workshops.
• 6.00  Supper, followed by evening tasks and leisure activities.
• 7.30 - 8.30 Children getting ready for bed
• 8.30 Once a week there is a house meeting for discussion of approaches to the children and of practical issues to do with house management

Each co-worker has one day off a week and periods of free time during the other working days.  Christmas and Easter breaks are usually three weeks, and the summer holidays usually six, with three half term breaks (one or two weeks) in-between.

Co-workers are welcome to stay in the school during holiday periods.  In order to maintain awareness of who is here during holidays we would ask you to arrange this in advance with the houseparent.

Travel plans outside of normal holiday dates should be arranged with the houseparent.  You can have visitors but please ensure you have the prior agreement of the houseparent.