Waverley School is a Local Authority maintained specialist school catering for pupils aged 3-19 years with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) or Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), including those with complex medical needs such as assisted ventilation, gastrostomies, epilepsy etc.
Many of the students at Waverley face multiple challenges related to their physical health and mobility, many students use wheelchairs, have muscle weakness, joint problems and other physical difficulties which affect their mobility and physical function. Beyond these mobility challenges, they may struggle with strength, stamina, balance and coordination, facing challenges in maintaining stability when standing or moving, as well as coordinating their movements effectively. Such issues may arise from neurological differences, developmental variations, or other health factors that influence motor control and skills.
A significant portion of our learners are non-verbal and for this reason we maintain a communication-rich learning environment and prioritise communication development using a range of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods. We create a total communication environment that supports every student's language development and helps them discover and express their unique 'voice' through bespoke means. As a result, we foster an environment at Waverley where students feel supported, confident, and empowered in their communication development, encouraging them to actively engage with others and participate fully in their communities
Some learners at Waverley experience challenges with their vision and hearing alongside their other learning differences. While we are not experts in these areas, our teachers collaborate closely with the teacher of the deaf to support students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Additionally, we occassionally receive support from Flouish to help our teachers meet the needs of the students with visual impairments.
A small portion of students at Waverley experience sensory processing differences that impact their ability to function effectively within the learning environment. Sensory needs can manifest as over-responsiveness or under-responsiveness to sensory stimuli such as sounds, lights, textures, or movement these students benefit from strategies or interventions designed to help them manage their sensory responses. Sensory regulation aims to help students achieve an equilibrium which enables them to focus, participate, engage and learn effectively.
Given the diverse needs of our students, they benefit from the involvement of various professionals and agencies to work collaboratively to support them and their families.
We are committed to raising the educational outcomes for our students by providing a nurturing environment that fosters curiosity and engagement. We use positive behaviour support and trauma-informed practices to create a safe and supportive learning space and we cultivate strong relationships with students, their families, and the wider community to help the students apply and generalise their skills effectively.
Please note: Waverley is not an autism-specific setting.
We encourage families to explore other schools within the borough that are specifically equipped and best positioned to support and meet the needs of children with autism.
A list of specialist schools across Enfield can be found here.
