We had the following key objectives when applying for this project: Look for new innovative methods, strategies and tools to improve our practice and motivate the teachers - We enjoy engaging with other schools in London on different research projects and training programmes. It would be great to collaborate with European colleagues. Search of and implementation within our school of new innovative methods, tools and strategies which will have an impact on improving our students' communication abilities - explore how other European countries motivate their pupils to learn and how they manage communication difficulties in their students. Expand our knowledge, enrich our professional experience and raise attainment of our students - Disseminate knowledge gained from trips to enrich experience for both students and staff at Queensmill. Effective teaching methodologies within inclusive educational establishments in Europe - explore how other countries approach inclusion, as well as outdoor learning and assistive therapies. Lasting links with our fellow colleagues within European countries and promote integration, inclusion and embrace different cultures - promote integration, inclusion, and embrace different cultures across Europe.
Queensmill School is an autism specific special educational needs school. This is the first Erasmus+ project that has been applied for by the school. The school is always looking for new ways of improving our practice. We teach a functional skills curriculum that will in turn help students cope with day-to-day life as they become adults. Our teaching is very individualised and requires creativity and dedication from our staff in order to have a great impact. Applying for the Erasmus+ project has given us the opportunity to seek inspiration and develop new ideas that we can implement at the school. Going beyond the national landscape and seeking information and sharing practice with our European neighbours presented itself as a unique opportunity to look at other models of education and pedagogy. We would not only be observing and learning about other countries approaches and strategies to education, but also developing long lasting relationships with them where we could continue to share practice. The Erasmus+ project is also a unique approach to staff CPD. Not only would participants attending the activities develop their professional knowledge, but it would also contribute to their general wellbeing at work.