We use cookies on this website. Cookies store information that allow us to improve our website and your browsing experience. By clicking agree and close or continuing to use this site (without changing your settings), you agree to our use of cookies To find out more about cookies (and to change your settings), please see our Privacy Policy.

Agree and close
Back
For Adults

Find the right support near you

Find support
For Adults Great Communities Residential Vacancies Day Opportunities Employment Registered Care Shared Lives Supported Living
For Children

Find the right support near you

Find support
For Children Academies Further Education MacIntyre School Residential Support Supported Living Transition
Our Approach

Find the right support near you

Find support
Our Approach Families Great Interactions Health and Safety Intensive Interaction Person Centred Approaches Positive Behaviour Support Safeguarding Voice of the people we support
Our Expertise

Find the right support near you

Find support
Our Expertise Autism Dementia Communication Health Learning Disability Transforming Care Resources
Get Involved

Find the right support near you

Find support
Get Involved Corporate Support MacIntyre Lottery Wills and Legacies FAQ
Careers
Careers Work for us Current Vacancies 10 best things about MacIntyre Employee Benefits How to apply How to write an effective CV Recruitment FAQs Safer Recruitment Students and Graduates Volunteer Working in Wales
News & Blogs
Events
Donate Search

Trying something new

3 April 2019
News

When Abigail first joined MacIntyre School, predictability and order was essential. But, with support from staff and her family, Abigail has been on not one but two holidays in the past year.

Abigail started as a day student back in April 2017 but moved to residential in January 2018. When she first arrived at MacIntyre School, Abigail had limited communication. Not only this, but her daily routine consisted of a rigid structure that left room for little flexibility.

Staff at MacIntyre School said:

“While getting to know Abigail it was clear from the start she was a very bright young lady who had huge potential to access so much more. The team worked hard on developing her communication using lots of visuals to support her learning and help us get to know what she needed.”

Through lots of 1 to 1 sessions and group work with her peers, Abigail began to make progress. Staff used symbols and timetables to help Abigail take part in activities she would usually refuse.

Staff added:

“Abigail's family have always been supportive. Working with them, we began to notice small changes in Abigail at home and school. The use of social stories and visuals to support any changes in routine helped Abigail to adapt and become more confident in trying new things.”

But Abigail’s biggest challenge to date was yet to come. With a family holiday around the corner, it was to present a host of new and unfamiliar scenarios for Abigail. Working with Abigail's family, staff at MacIntyre School introduced social stories, a calendar and a collection of photos to help her to adjust.

Describing the methods to help Abigail, staff said:

“The photos included the airport, passport control, the inside of a plane and activities such as swimming and visiting the beach. These were very motivating for Abigail. “

As a result of the support from her family and staff, Abigail’s first couldn’t have gone better. She found herself enjoying new activities such as water aerobics and yoga.

Abigail’s mum said:

“We can confidently say Abi had a really good time. She was so well behaved and brave. Having her Social Stories made a world of a difference. She would refer to it when she needed to all by herself.”

Since then, Abigail has taken on new adventures, including a cruise for her Dad’s birthday.

Reflecting on Abigail’s progress, staff said:

“We are all extremely proud of Abigail. It proves what can be achieved with the use of tools, like visuals. We look forward to working with Abigail and her family and hope to support them with future adventures.”

Life at the School

11 Sep 2020
News

MacIntyre School: Jane’s Story

When Jane arrived at the school at the age of 15 she had significant challenges with transition and self-injurious behaviour.

Find Out More
8 Sep 2020
News

MacIntyre School on Radio Verulam

Jennifer Marshall, Regional Children's Home Manager sat down with Radio Verulam to discuss how our teams work closely with the families of the young people…

Find Out More
20 Aug 2020
News

Summer Sports Day

It's the summer holidays and for the children and young people at MacIntyre School, keeping fit and having fun is more important than ever.

Find Out More
30 Jun 2020
News

Big Thank you Day 2020

Today we say a ‘big thank you’ to our teams who support the children and young people across MacIntyre. It's a chance to say a special thank you to our…

Find Out More
Important Links
Working Safely in Offices Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy Statement
Talk to us
Find Support Near You MacInStars Employee of the Month Contact Us About us
Newsletter
Our Newsletter
Connect with us
Registered Charity No. 250840

602 South Seventh Street
Milton Keynes
Buckinghamshire
MK9 2JA
© 2021 MacIntyre. All rights reserved Data Protection and Privacy Policy
Made by Grandad