Guided by its core values of happiness, independence, and respect for all, the school’s mission is simple but powerful:
“To make a positive and tangible impact on the lives of our pupils. To open up their world, to help them be independent and most of all to help them live happy, healthy lives.”
Unique Learning Methods Powered by Technology
A key part of this mission is giving every pupil the tools they need to thrive. One of those tools is an iPad, paired with a specialist communication app called Proloquo2Go. This software is specifically designed to support non-verbal children or those with limited speech, helping them to express themselves and interact with the world around them, sometimes for the very first time.
This enables children to engage with others in ways they were unable to previously, the impact of which reduces social isolation and frustration. This, in turn, leads to happier, more fulfilled children who are more able to learn and thrive. The app is set up differently for each child to suit their particular needs and can be expanded at the appropriate pace as their ability to use it develops. The app has a range of voices which can be selected to speak for the child. This means they hear themselves communicating and can lead to them being more able to verbalise for themselves.
How are we making a difference?
Over the coming months and as we head toward the Christmas season, we’ll be focusing our fundraising efforts on helping Chatten Free School provide this essential technology to even more pupils.
Each iPad and software package costs approximately £1,000, and our goal is to raise as much money as possible and provide more students with an iPad with the Proloquo2Go software. Every donation brings us closer to giving another child the tools to connect with the world around them.
Moments That Matter
Having an iPad paired with the Proloquo2Go software has had a huge impact on Toby’s life, enabling him to communicate with his mum Vicky, giving him a ‘voice’ for the first time. Now Toby can tell his mum which song he would like her to sing to him, or which ice cream he’d like from the ice-cream van.
Vicky describes the moment her son first communicated with her through the app as “the joy of hearing his voice for the first time… his world suddenly opened up.”
“Toby was shown how to use the app at school under the guidance of the Speech Therapist, and how to make choices and show that he understands what others are asking of him. He is able to use the app at school, at home and in the community. In time, he will learn to say how he feels, what he thinks and have conversations. “That prospect is so exciting!” said Vicky. “For Toby to gradually be able to interact with more people means he can be a part of the community and function happily within it.“
t’s a reflection of the school’s purpose: opening up the world for their pupils and helping them live independent, happy lives.
We’re very much looking forward to supporting Toby and the Chatten Free School over the coming months.
Follow our social media pages for more updates:
Instagram
X
LinkedIn
