March 2026 edition

Contents

Topic in focus - Computing

Computing plays a vital role in helping our students develop the digital skills they need to succeed in education and independent living. We teach computing in a structured and supportive way, tailored to each stage of learning. 

Lower School 

  • Computing is taught by a specialist teacher in our dedicated computing suite. 
  • Lessons focus on foundational skills such as using a keyboard and mouse, navigating software, and basic coding. 
  • Digital skills are also embedded into core subjects like English, Maths, and Science to show how technology supports everyday learning. 

      Post-16 and Young Adult Provision (YAP) 

      • Students follow the ASDAN Readiness to Work programme, which develops essential digital skills for the workplace and independent living. 
      • Skills include using email, online communication tools, understanding online safety, and using digital platforms confidently. 
      • Computing is embedded in vocational subjects such as hospitality and daily living skills, helping students apply their learning in practical, real-world settings. 

          Planning and progress 

          • Computing is planned weekly to meet individual learning needs. 
          • Lessons are delivered through dedicated computing sessions, digital skills sessions, and integrated learning across subjects. 
          • Progress is tracked using ‘I can’ statements, which are linked to both academic goals and the ASDAN programme. 

               Why it matters 

              Digital skills are essential for success in education and independence. Our computing curriculum helps every student become confident and capable in using technology. We are committed to making computing accessible, relevant, and engaging for all learners. 

              Starters, transitions and leavers - young people

              Starters:

              Libby has joined Shirley House this week 

              Leavers:

              Harry C - after nearly 10 years with us, Harry C has moved on from Prior's Court. A sociable young man throughout his time with us, Harry grew in confidence and independence massively, particularly since moving to Henley House. A short video casestudy was made about the progress Harry made in his time with us:

              Daniel K - after 11 years with us, Daniel K has moved on from Prior's Court. From Shirley House to Fleming House, Daniel made a huge impression in his time with us. He, along with Harry, was the first Children's Home young person to go on a holiday last year. A short video casestudy was made about the progress he made in his time with us:

              Joseph C - Joseph joined Prior's Court in 2012 when he was 12-years-old. Known for his love of drawing and being a very active soul, Joseph lived in our Young Adult Provision since 2019. See more about Joseph on our socials.

              We wish Harry C, Daniel K and Joseph C and their families all the very, very best for their futures. Hopefully we will see them as alumni members at our events in future.

              Starters, promotions and leavers - staff

              Starters:

              • India Grant - Speech and Language Therapist

              Leavers:

              • Dominika Olszewska - Team Manager
              • Julie Manning - Team Manager
              • Tomson Chauke - Autism Practitioner Level 3

              Our new Deputy Headteacher

              We mentioned in the January newsletter that Lorraine Green had joined us in the role of Deputy Headteacher. Here is a little more about Lorraine:

              • She has more than 30 years of experience in education across both mainstream and specialist settings, but has spent the past decade working exclusively within specialist provisions. This extensive experience spans all key stages - primary, secondary, and Post-16.
              • She has developed particular expertise in early years, child development, and teaching and learning, and previously designed a bespoke SEND curriculum tailored to individual learning pathways.
              • Her key principles in learning are:
                • being dedicated to ensuring every young person begins with clearly assessed starting points and progresses in a way that reflects their unique learning style,
                • celebrating each step of progress,
                • fostering a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
              • She is currently completing her National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), enabling her to further strengthen her leadership and support staff in delivering high-quality provision for young people.
              • Outside of her professional role, Lorraine enjoys the countryside and nature, so she says she feels particularly fortunate to work in a beautiful, rural setting like Prior's Court that aligns with both her personal interests and her commitment to supporting young people to thrive.

              TEACCH courses in February

              More than 30 Prior’s Court staff completed TEACCH training courses in February - 12 on the 5-Day course and 19 on the Beyond the Basics programme. A massive thank you to young people Freya, Anton, Ethan and Alfie G who were co-trainers for the 5-Day course.

              A group of people sit around a table, indoors, doing a arts and crafts task together

              There will be more 3-Day courses held in May and August, and we’re in the final stages of confirming dates for the next 5-Day course which will be in the 2026/27 academic year. A reminder that we offer Prior's Court parents discounts for places on these courses.

              These courses are critical to what we do at Prior’s Court – they are about empowering staff members with autism expertise so they can support your children to achieve their utmost in their time with us.

               As of February 2026:

              • more than 130 staff have completed the 3-day Structured Teaching course
              • more than 65 staff members have completed the 5- Day hands on TEACCH® classroom training course
              • close to 30 staff members have completed the Beyond the Basics: Advanced Applications of TEACCH Principles and Practices course
              • and one staff member is a TEACCH Certified Advanced Consultant with pathways open for staff members to advance to TEACCH Certified Practitioner and TEACCH Certified Advanced Consultant level.

              Going on the courses is important – it is even more important that the knowledge of these staff members is utilised. So staff members are regularly steered towards a page on our intranet listing every one of their colleagues who has completed a 3-Day, 5-Day and Beyond the Basics course so they know who they can speak to for advice.

              Easter break activities

              Following on from the selection of themed activities provided during the February half-term, there will be a similar offering over the Easter break.

              This will be based on drop-in sessions for arts and crafts, badminton, garden games, a spring disco, parachute games, water play and archery across the two-week break, as well as the annual Easter Egg Hunt in the Woods on Thursday, 2 April.

              Fundraising activities update

              With the reopening of the Multi-Sensory Building and the first phase of the play equipment on the Track being installed, there is real momentum with the fundraising projects at Prior's Court right now. 

              A teenage boy is stood within a room with a projected image onto the ground to play a game. A Priors Court staff member stands next to the teenager.

              Fundraising at Prior's Court allows us to get the pieces of specialist equipment and facilities that make a true difference to everyday life. After completing the significant capital fundraising project for Piper Arts Centre, the Fundraising team are now able to focus on "smaller" projects that can be turned around more quickly compared to the Arts Centre.

              There remains more phases to be completed on the Play Equipment appeal, while in recent weeks we have also launched new appeals to build Outdoor Classrooms for the Main School and overhaul the School Computer room.

              Contact Fundraising if you know any groups who can support

              Music festival this year

              This year, the Let Me Shine music festival will be held on Monday, 4 May and all Prior's Court families are invited. A "register your interest to attend" form will be sent out later this month with further details about the event.

              But, in brief, the event this year will be more of a "family fun day" feel with more focus on a wider range of activities. There will still be a stage and live music, but we want to broaden the appeal of the event so there is more options for all young people to participate in.

              We look forward to seeing you there.

              World Autism Acceptance Month

              Our focus for World Autism Acceptance Month (WAAM) will be on engaging with communities. As we're all aware, how the wider world sees autism remains an inaccurate representation of the experiences of autism that young people at Prior's Court have - and changing this is something we can work towards.

              So Prior's Court will have a presence at local community events through WAAM, including having a stall at Ascot Racecourse's Spring Family Raceday on the Sunday before WAAM.

              We will also be hosting two webinars - one on structure and one on sensory - which are aimed at families, and teachers/ other school staff who work in SEN in both mainstream and special schools, to support young people like those at Prior's Court who might not be getting the specialist support right now that they need. This isn't about diluting our services - this is about providing an hour of our expert staff's time to help others.

              Spirit of Prior's Court Awards

              One final call to ask if any families are able to support our annual staff awards evening.

              As you may be aware, Prior's Court's annual Spirit of Prior's Court Awards is taking place on Friday, 27th March. This event is designed to celebrate the incredible hard work our staff have put in over the course of the year with a formal event and awards ceremony. 

               We would love as many staff to be able to attend as possible, and this is where you come in. Consider, only if you are truly able to, taking your child home for the night of Friday, 27 March to allow fewer staff needing to be on-site and so giving more staff the chance to attend the evening.

              Local hotel discount reminder

              A reminder we have secured with the Orida Hotel Newbury – which is two minutes’ drive from us on the M4/ A34 junction – 15% off room bookings for Prior's Court families.

              Just use the discount code ‘PRIORS’ when booking online via its website or quote ‘PRIORS’ over the phone. Please note the code does not work through sites such as booking.com and will only work when booking directly with the hotel.

              There will also be 10% off food at the hotel by using this code.

              This, and other information, can always be found in the Parent Information section of the website.

              News on our website you may have missed

              Local MP praises Prior's Court staff The Long Road film named as Charity Film Awards finalist Therapies sessions in the homes over February half term

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