Harris
Harris is a senior pupil at Stanmore House School, having joined in 2018. As he prepares to move on, this represents an important and positive transition in his life. Harris will join Stanmore Life Skills.
Harris is a friendly and sociable young man with a calm, easy-going nature. He engages well with others, particularly in one-to-one interactions, and uses vocalisations, eye contact and facial expressions effectively to communicate. His warm and approachable manner is a strength in building relationships.
He enjoys a range of activities including music, movement-based sessions, parachute and ball games, and sensory play. He shows a particular interest in objects that move, such as those that spin or have wheels, and often engages with toys while on a floor mat. Water-based activities are a clear preference, including hydrotherapy, baths, and water play.
Harris lives within Stanmore Residential, where he is regularly visited by his family.
As he nears the end of his time at Stanmore House School, Harris will be greatly missed. Staff continue to support his transition to adulthood, with a strong focus on developing independence. He is making progress in communication and choice-making, as well as in postural management and both gross and fine motor skills. He is also encouraged to participate fully in all aspects of school life.
Harris is a sensory learner who benefits from play-based approaches. During his Senior Phase, he has attended a weekly college link course, where he has enjoyed socialising with peers and learning in a different environment. At school, he has been working towards SQA National 1 qualifications and a range of wider achievement awards, including the Silver Reading Schools Award, Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, and Gold Rights Respecting Schools Award.
Through these wider achievements, Harris has participated in a broad range of experiences, culminating in his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Highlights include a residential stay at SportScotland Inverclyde and an inclusive activity day at Broomlee Outdoor Education Centre.
His involvement in Reading Schools has included a variety of literacy activities such as library visits, engagement with visiting librarians, participation in the Reading Schools leadership group, and partnership work with a local school.
Through his journey within the Rights Respecting Schools Award, Harris has developed an understanding of children’s rights, contributed to fundraising and campaigning activities supporting others to access their rights.
Harris’ time at Stanmore House School has been rich, positive, and rewarding. He is a valued member of the school community who brings warmth and joy to those around him.
Harris is supported by on the onsite Occupational Therapist, who has been involved in arranging appropriate equipment within the Residential Service ensuring Harris has appropriate equipment to meet his daily needs. Harris also has specialist equipment in School to help facilitate engagement in education and daily activities. Occupational Therapy has also played a role in transition planning, working closely with Harris, family and relevant services to support a smooth transition to adult services and provide ongoing support throughout the process.
Harris is also supported by the onsite Speech and Language Therapist who engages him in 1:1 sessions targeting his interactions and social communication. He has also been supported by the SLT for his Eating and Drinking skills which have changed over the years.
All AHP professionals working in Stanmore have recently worked together with the community professions to help Harris transition easier to adult services.