Portfield School...

Portfield is a non maintained special school operated by The Wessex Autistic Society and registered with the Department for Education for up to 70 children and young people on the autism spectrum. The school offers up to 52 weeks boarding with a flexible and personalised approach. The school enjoys first class facilities and is located close to both the New Forest and the coast, affording its students access to a range of experiences that enhance both their education and their quality of life.

We aim to provide education tailored to individuals’ skills as well as their needs, and each child’s personal curriculum at Portfield reflects their ability, not just their disability. In a context of security, enjoyment and respect, our intention is that the Portfield experience will prepare young people to enter adulthood equipped to maximise their independence and quality of life and to engage in their communities as active citizens.

Portfield offers weekly (4 nights per week) and termly (7 nights per week) boarding services in five houses – four of which are purpose built. All boarders enjoy single bedroom accommodation and a highly personalised approach to their care. The school understands the importance of maintaining good links with families and adopts an approach of partnership in the care of its boarders.

In Christchurch town Portfield's 'life skills' service welcomes up to 16 young people aged 15 to 19 where fundamental skills are taught to enable pupils to support themselves in their own living environments. Cooking, cleaning, computing and other essential abilities aim to ensure that pupils develop the ability to integrate within society while supporting themselves in as many ways as possible. Further boarding accommodation for young people on the life skills programme is also provided in Christchurch.