| Description | Governors' minutes 1972-2002 and newsletters 1990-2002, Headteachers' reports 1972-2002 and newsletters 1999-2002, Log book 1972-2002, Admission and withdrawal register 1973-2002, Therapy Services annual reports 1994-2001, Minutes of Annual Parents and Governors meetings 1987-1998, Finance, Personnel, Premises 1994-2001 and Staffing Subcommittee 1973-1975, 1994-1996 minutes, Financial records 1972-2004, Minutes of weekly staff meeting 1994-2002, School development plan 2001-2002, School prospectuses c1990-c2000, Photographs c1970s, Papers re Derbyshire special schools c1978-c2001 |
| Administrative History | The purpose built Long Eaton School for Physically Handicapped Pupils was opened in May 1973. It was temporarily closed shortly afterwards due to severe flooding. In September of that year the governors resolved to change the name of the school to Westbrook School.
The overall aim of the school was to enable pupils to develop their potential in areas relevant to their needs by providing a caring, challenging environment, rich in opportunities, resources and stimulation. The teaching accommodation consisted of three main areas; a self-contained nursery unit for twelve children; and infant/junior area; and a senior area. The senior school children met the Headteacher once a week to discuss matters of mutual interest. Children were actively encouraged to arrange social events, weekend activities and take a positive part in the day to day running of the school. Residential accommodation was divided between three separate houses, all linked to the teaching areas. School provisions include a large hall for activities and dining, a hydrotherapy/swimming pool, a physiotherapy department, speech therapy room, surgery and sickbay.
In addition to a headteacher and deputy headteacher, the school staff included twelve assistant teachers, twelve houseparents, eleven welfare assistants, two night attendants, caretaker, clerical assistant, kitchen and cleaning staff.
Four physiotherapists, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and six nurses, employed by the school by the District Health Authority, offered 24 hour cover. Most children have pool therapy once a week with a phsiotherapist. In addition to their normal work, the physiotherapy team organise horse riding sessions at Elvaston Castle and swimming for the more able children at the Long Eaton Pool. They also entered and accompanied children in local and national swimming galas for the disabled.
The school was also visited by two speech therapists. Alternative, non-verbal communication methods included: 'Makaton', a signing system taken from the British Sign Language of the Deaf; and 'Blissymbolics', a symbol communication system. The introduction of new technology such as computers and voice synthesisers, enabled a greater emphasis on communication systems. The speech therapists also spent considerable time advising on, and helping children with feeding problems.
There was also a full-time occupational therapist responsible for promoting function so that the children became less dependent on others. The occupational thewrapist worked very closely with teachers and houseparents, advising on hand function, equipment for bathing and toileting and smaller aids for independence.
Six nurses provided 24 hour cover. They were responsible for the general health of children, administration of drugs, dressings, management of surgical appliances, dental care, organising clinics and general supervision of children on diets. Resident children were registered with a local G.P. but day children remain in the care of their home based doctor. Dental inspections were held twice annually and if requested, treatment is organised by the school for all children, whether resident or day, at the Long Eaton Health Centre. The school's nursing team liaised with district nurses to provide cover where necessary for a child requiring medical treatment at home during school holidays.
The school was open most weekends during term time when all senior children, regardless of whether they were normally resident, could stay at school to pursue various activities including fishing, sports, swimming, and shopping. Day children could stay at school on weekdays for tea and join evening activities provided parents arranged transport home.
Governors' meetings were held at the school three times a year, usually towards the end of each term. Two parent, elected every four years, Governors sat on the Governing Body. During the absence of a PTA, the finance committee comprised of parents and staff who raised money for the School Fund. This also met at least once each term, more frequently if decisions regarding financial matters were required. In the latter years of the school's existence, a major source of income was the '200 Club'.
In August 2002 the school became part of the Stanton Vale school. The pupils either moved to Stanton Vale or Aldercar. Fifty members of staff were redeployed, while the remaining three members were made redundant. |
| Custodial History | These records were deposited by the school, shortly before its closure, in July 2002. |