FAQs

If the proposals were implemented then The Pines would operate as a satellite site for Oak Grove College and would be accessed by pupils aged 11-19 years old with profound and multiple learning difficulties. By definition, these pupils are likely to: 

• Have complex medical needs and be non-ambulatory
• Have profound autism, with substantial intellectual disability which will require lifelong care and a high level if sustained support; and often display self-injurious and dysregulated behaviour

The satellite site would provide these learners with a bespoke, holistic and informal curriculum that develops learners' skills in the following areas:

• Communication
• Transition/ Community
• Physical and mental wellbeing
• Life skills
• Enterprise/ vocational
• Cognitive development
• PSHE/ Citizenship 

Learners would be in classes of 4-6 pupils, depending on the level of needs of the learners.  

The Pines site would have a designated sixth form area for learners as described above. 

The Pines is located 1 mile from the main Oak Grove College site, with an approximate driving time of 5 minutes, depending on the time of day.

If the proposals were to be implemented, The Pines would be purposely refurbished to accommodate learners with the most complex needs, whilst facilitating access to the whole school community. Where learners need to access the main school site, this would be timetabled into their school day.

The school recognises that social opportunities for learners to be around a more verbally able cohort is important and this would be built into the curriculum. Learners would still be able to access activities at the main site, such as school productions and whole school assemblies. 

The site would have access to an additional 2 mini buses, that have tail lifts to allow for clamping of wheelchairs. The minibuses would be used to transport learners between sites. Where a learner uses a large moulded wheelchair, the school would continue to liaise with and use the services of County Buses. 

As The Pines is a satellite site, school leadership would remain the same as the main school site. The school's staffing team would expand and there would be a dedicated number of staff based at The Pines site that can respond to everyday aspects of running the site, with oversight from the school's senior leadership team. Where appropriate, familiar staff would transition over to The Pines site with some learners that are already on roll at Oak Grove College.   

Should the proposals go ahead, Learners would be able to access most of their therapy on site at The Pines. The Pines site would have the following in addition to classroom spaces:

• Therapy room with therapy swing
• Sensory and quiet rooms
• Hygiene facilities
• Rebound Therapy
• Group free flow soft plan room
• Small group rooms
• Medical room
• Immersive room
• Outdoor sensory regulation equipment
• A meeting space for MDTs
• A life skills room and kitchen

Swimming would be accessed on the main school site. This would be timetabled into a learner’s day and transport arranged by the school. 

Learners would have access to Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy and Nursing/Care at The Pines site. The school would make arrangements for access to therapies at the main school site where appropriate. 

Hoist, tracking and hygiene facilities would be installed at The Pines to ensure that all learners would have access to the appropriate education and therapy spaces that they need. Hoist and hygiene facilities would remain in place at the main school site. 

Immersive and sensory equipment would be integral to The Pines site. Appropriate technology (such as Eye Gaze) would be available to meet learners sensory; communication and interaction needs.     

The Pines would have a life skills area and kitchen space. The school would explore how enterprise could work across life skills and the curriculum i.e. community café and community trips.

All students would be able to access the community. Community transport would be used as appropriate for those that need it. The site is close to local amenities such as a supermarket, which is 5 minutes walk away. 

One key strand for the schools sixth form curriculum is transition. Learners would have the opportunity to partake in transition visits for local adult services provision. The school would also support parents and carers with aspects relating to transition. The school would have a sixth form on both sites, that is based on the needs of learners. 

The Pines would have outdoor space that goes around the rear of the building. Most classrooms would have direct access to outdoor space. Outdoor space would have a playground, sensory equipment and bucket swings, calming space and a sensory garden.

Should the proposals go ahead, consultations for a place at Oak Grove College would continue to go through the West Sussex admissions process. Staff at the college would decide if a placement was to be offered and which site students should be based on, to ensure they are on the site most suitable to meet their needs.

There would be up to 14 parking spaces at The Pines site, with an additional 3 disabled parking spaces and space for 2 minibuses. 

There would be an entrance and exit point to the car park that can be used for school drop off and pick up. 

The site is on a main bus route, with a bus stop within 50 meters of the site. 

The Pines would be a recognised satellite site for Oak Grove College. Should your child/young person be eligible for transport to their school placement, and they are attending The Pines, then this would be their drop off and collection point.

There may be an increase in traffic during school drop off and pick up times. WSCC would endeavour to minimise any potential impact on the local community in relation to this.