The journey for Life Skills Manor School started in 2015 proposed as a Special Free School. The original proposer team consisted of educational experts that had a range of experience in SEND but more importantly consisted of parents with children with Autism.
During the original proposal the steering group formulated a Life Skills curriculum based upon the views of parent led groups hence the life skills element of the school. Unfortunately the project was shelved pending political obstacles associated with Free Schools.
In 2020, we were able to proceed with the Life Skills Manor proposal but in the form as a self-governing provision. We are delighted to report that we are now an independent special registered with the Department for Education since January 2022.
As a parent of a child with Autism I understand the challenges we face on a daily basis and we have designed Life Skills Manor in the knowledge of our children becoming independent as they move into adulthood. Our school has been in the making for many years and we are so excited to have opened our doors in January 2022 and be delivering our curriculum that embeds 'skills for life'.
Welcome to Life Skills Manor for Autism.
Thank you to all those that have supported us.
Paul Barrett
The term "Life Skills" refers to those skills needed to be an independent young person and adult. The acquisition of some of these skills is particularly difficult for some youngsters on the autistic spectrum.
These skills include a huge range of taken for granted attributes and basic skills, which other children and young people learn, (apparently easily) through observation, copying, parental nurturing and self-motivation. These include things such as dressing oneself, shoelace tying, road safety, motor skill development, social etiquette, conversation skills and so and so forth.
ASC pupils often have difficulties not only at school but in the wider community too. It is known that ASC pupils are at a much greater risk of exclusion from school and often experience social isolation both in and out of school.
This is principally because children with autism can find it difficult to engage in the world around them. The aim of Life Skills Manor is to support engagement, growth and skills in a nurturing environment, whilst encouraging and empowering the uniqueness that is autism.
With this in mind it can be seen that understanding and acquiring these life skills is essential for pupils with ASC and therefore this underpins the LSM curriculum. At KS4 pupils will extend their learnt skills and engage in ASDAN accreditations. These awards are recognised by employers.
We believe that no child should have to travel more than 30 minutes to get to their school of need. Life Skills Manor will cater for students that are from the Dover, Thanet and Canterbury Districts.
Therefore the main catchment areas include:
| Catchment Area | Distance | Travel Times | Fastest Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramsgate | 5.2 Miles | 12 Minutes | |
| Birchington | 6.2 Miles | 11 Minutes | |
| Broadstairs | 6.7 Miles | 15 Minutes | |
| Margate | 7.3 Miles | 17 Minutes | |
| St. Nicholas at Wade | 7.3 Miles | 10 Minutes | |
| Deal | 9.5 Miles | 19 Minutes | Via A256 |
| Herne Bay | 14 Miles | 20 Minutes | Via A299 |
| Dover | 16 Miles | 23 Minutes | Via A256 |
| Canterbury | 16 Miles | 29 Minutes | Via A257 |
| Whitstable | 20 Miles | 26 Minutes | Via A299 |
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