Tower House at Cuckmere House School

Welcome to Tower House, which is a small satellite of Cuckmere House School providing 16 places for young people in Key Stages 2 and 3. Students will have a diagnosis of autism as their priority need, alongside additional needs such as social, emotional & mental health needs (SEMH).  Tower House is located half a mile from the main school site.  

 

 

Our Approach

We offer a Learning Powers Approach and promote learning dispositions in our curriculum that will develop curious, adventurous, determined and collaborative learners. We deliver these attributes through our “Tower Powers”:

    Teamwork

    Outcomes

    Wonder

    Effort

    Resilience

We offer a low arousal environment with clear visual structures to help students understand the environment and reduce anxiety.  Our positive approach is supported by a clear reward system that flows through each lesson, day, week and term. We aim to work closely with our students, their families and carers as well as other professionals to provide clearly targeted and individualised learning programmes for our students.  

 

Our Students

• Have autism as a priority need
• Have social, emotional and mental health needs
• Would benefit from a structured, low arousal environment
• Are in Key Stages 2 and 3

 

Our Environment

We have two large classrooms, a small gym area and other smaller rooms for group activities and interventions.

 

A Map of Tower House 

Ground Floor:

 

 

First Floor :

 

Our Curriculum Intent

Tower House aims to provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that empowers young people with autism to thrive and reach their potential. Our curriculum is designed to foster the development of curiosity, character, and confidence.

We aim to equip our pupils with the necessary skills to navigate the world around them, both now and in the future. Through a personalised curriculum, we impart a breadth of knowledge, incorporating key life skills that enrich their educational experience.

We aim to develop the Head, Hands and Hearts though academic challenge, practical life experiences and a constant focus on opportunities for social and emotional development.

 

Meet the Team

The staff team are experienced and trained in supporting students with autism and we utilise a range of approaches to best support their needs.  We will always try to support our students and their families to experience a successful, happy and safe education at Tower House.

	David Donnelly I have worked in SEN schools in a variety of teaching and leadership positions for over 15 years; starting my career teaching English to young people in key stages 2 to 4 to my role now as Assistant Head Teacher and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for Tower House. I have an excellent understanding of a range of specific learning difficulties, including autism, and have developed my pedagogical approach to ensure that all learners are able to have successful learning experiences both in and outside of the classroom. I have a keen interest in learning outside of the classroom and enjoy using the natural world to enhance both academic, social and emotional development.
	Yvette Beaumont During my career, I have worked within mainstream and SEN settings, supporting both Primary and Secondary-aged students in and out of the classroom. I am a trained Thrive practitioner, where I base a lot of my approach around. I am always dedicated to helping each individual thrive to their full potential. At Tower House, we pride ourselves on creating a personal approach to our learners as well as working together as a secure team.
	Jacqueline Saysell During my career, I have worn many educational hats, working as a drama teacher, English teacher and pastoral lead in both a mainstream and an international setting while living in Brazil for many years. I believe in education for life and that we are all life-long learners. As an SEN teacher at Tower House, I continue to learn with our staff and students each day and feel privileged to be part of such a committed, compassionate team. I have a passion for reading and theatre and try to encourage a creative and active approach to learning in the classroom whenever possible.

 

Contact

If you would like to find out more about Tower House at Cuckmere House School please email david.donnelly@sabden.org.uk or telephone 01323 691000 (Option1).

If you would like to apply for a place please contact Inclusion, Special Educational Needs and Disability Services (ISEND) based at County Hall, Lewes.