Home Life

house live 1

The ‘House Community’ is the heart of our life together. Though the members of a house community are engaged in different activities during the day, mealtimes and free time are spent together. There are 10 such houses, each accommodating between 4 and 11 pupils. Within a house there are pupils of all ages with a variety of disabilities, living in groups of 2 or in individual rooms. Each pupil has a key-worker. The grouping together of pupils with differing abilities and ages has also proved to be of profound therapeutic value. For example, an emotionally disturbed youngster can be significantly helped, when he himself helps to look after a physically disabled child.

House co-ordinators are responsible for the general running of the house—including responsibility for finance and maintenance—as well as overseeing the work of the pupils and co-workers and liaising with pupils’ parents and authorities. A number of the teachers and therapists are also resident in the households.

Whilst weekday mornings and part of the afternoons are spent in class taking part in formal lessons, the whole of a pupil’s day is an educational experience. The time spent in the household is essential for acquiring the skills and maturity needed for life. These include personal self-help skills, social skills, household tasks and the gradual growing towards personal maturity and independence through the daily struggle of living in a community setting. Many children also learn to relax, play and develop friendships. All these give the pupil a sense of achievement and self worth and prepare them socially to face life with confidence.

house live 1

The facilities of Aberdeen are well used. Groups or individuals go by local bus to the library, cinema, to cultural events or shopping in the city. They also have the opportunity to join local clubs and groups such as the Scouts or Girl Guides.

Although each co-worker has time off, there is no shift system. A co-worker accompanies the same pupil through the day from morning to evening and again the next day and for most of the week, of course with exceptions. The co-worker will of-ten also assist in classes or therapy. This continuity of care is of profound importance for the experience and general well-being of the pupils.

Night attendants are employed on an individual basis (and at an extra cost to the funding authority) for those pupils who have difficulties during the night.

For each pupil a personal plan is written every six months which sets out aims towards which all involved are working in order that the pupils consolidate what they have learnt and thus make plans for the future.