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Cambian Whinfell School
110 Windermere Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5EZ (Map)
Phone: 01539 723322
Whinfell School has been rated 'OUTSTANDING' by Ofsted in all areas. See the latest reports here
➜ Whinfell School Prospectus (Download)
Cambian Whinfell School offers up to 52-weeks residential placements and day places for local students.
The School has OUTSTANDING education and care for boys and young men aged 7-19. Students often arrive after difficult education and domestic experiences and are potentially lacking of confidence. Whinfell School aims to educate students academically, socially and emotionally, putting them in good stead moving forwards.
Our young people have often experienced significant disruption to their schooling in the past and may come to us from multiple placement breakdowns. They may also present a risk to themselves or others due to high levels of challenging behaviour or deficits in personal development. Typically they are very disengaged, isolated and have little self-belief. By prioritising these deficits we create the conditions for young people to re-engage in education and achieve their full potential.
We believe that is is not enough to just provide a safe and happy school experience. In a supportive way, we want to challenge all of our young people to grow as individuals and acquire the skills, confidence, knowledge and qualifications to be as successful and resilient as they possibly can be when they eventually move on to further education or independence.
Since starting at Whinfell I’ve changed, improved and learnt so much. When I started I was shy, didn’t like talking and never spoke up. Whinfell knew the things I struggled with and worked on it. I spoke to an inhouse psychologist about my previous experiences, things I was comfortable sharing and my thoughts in general. They were very approachable and friendly, so it didn’t feel like previous occasions when it felt like I was in an interview and the person didn’t really care about what I was saying.
- Student (Read Jack's story in his own words here.)
View our vision and ethos statement here.
Reports & Policies
Curriculum
With a flexible approach to learning, we aim to support our students academic and social needs
Find out moreSchool Environment
Find out more about the classrooms and teaching spaces available to students.
Find out moreResidential Care
Our accommodation provides the necessary step between leaving home and community living
Find out moreTherapeutic Outdoor Learning (TOL)
One of the cornerstones of our curriculum involving the use of the outdoors as a wider part of our students' education and personal development
Find out moreClinical and Therapeutic Support
Find out more about our Clinical and Therapeutic Support team.
Find out moreStudent Journeys
From academic outcomes to personal achievements, read more about our student's journeys at Whinfell School
Find out moreTestimonials
Read testimonials from parents about their experiences with Cambian Whinfell School.
Find out moreSchool News
See the latest news and events from Cambian Whinfell School
Find out moreInformation for Parents
Find term dates and other information that parent's may find useful
Find out moreThe Proprietor
The proprietor of the school is Farouq Sheikh, Chair of the CareTech Board.
The representative of the Proprietor of the school, whose address for correspondence during both term times and holidays, is: Andrew Sutherland, Director of Education, Metropolitan House, 3 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1AG.
The Chair of Governance is Graham Norris.
Student Profile
• Male, ages 7-19
May have one or more of the following:
• Diagnosis or traits of Autism and associated conditions including ADHD and PDA
• Mild to moderate learning difficulties
• Complex needs and associated challenging behaviours
• Often multiple exclusions and placement breakdowns
• A history of school refusal, periods of time out of school and may have experienced previous admission to a CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) inpatient unit
• Difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia
• Has an Education, Health and Care Plan
Powering potential, shaping futures - exciting news from Whinfell School
Four students have been selected to join the AQA 'Unlocking Potential' mentoring programme delivered by AQA and Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.
The students will be mentored by international Hockey champion Charlotte Hartley.
Our dedicated team include:
✓ Specialist teachers
✓ Teaching assistants
✓ Residential staff
✓ Key workers
✓ Speech and language therapists
✓ Clinical psychologist
✓ Consultant psychiatrist
✓ Assistant psychologist
✓ Occupational therapist
Benefits of Therapeutic Outdoor Learning
Research and evidence increasingly suggests many benefits of spending time in the natural world for young people’s psychological and physical well-being, including:
- Reduced stress
- Better concentration
- Improved feelings of well-being
- Independence
- Problem solving skills
- Self-discipline
- Team work
- Development of social skills
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