Introduction Letter
Spitskop Special Needs School is situated in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, Waterberg District. The school opened its doors on the 11th of February 2013.
The school provides care, stimulation, and education for 90 children between the ages of 3 and 18 with pervasive developmental disorders, such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Autism, Down’s syndrome, Epilepsy, Brain damage, Hard of hearing, Partially Sighted, Learning Barriers, and other problems, all of which affect cognitive development. The school implemented English and two local languages, Afrikaans and Setswana. Spitskop Special Needs School is the only school in the Waterberg District that offers formal education (CAPS Curriculum) to learners with autism.
This year is our 11th in operation and we are proud of our accomplishment. The school is the first of its kind in the Waterberg district and we are registered as a non-profit organisation with a section 18A, Tax clearance and is B-BBEE Level 1 certified. The school is also registered with the Department of Education and Social Development. Our audited financial statements are up to date and open for inspection. Despite this, we have not been able to obtain Government funding. The school thus has no formal financial anchor. All the above mentioned is a testimony of the school’s integrity and high standard of operation
Programs the school / centre offers:
- Academic – Think Digital and vocational (80% Academic and 20% Skills development)
- Early childhood development
- High support & Stimulation
- PID (Non – speaking)
Extras:
- Skills development programs (both out- and indoors).
- Physiotherapy.
- Occupational therapy (One on One sessions & Spell to communicate therapy)
- Outdoor stimulation (safe playground, greenhouse).
- Equine Therapy.
- Computer centre.
- Feeding scheme (Breakfast, lunch, and snack).
- After hours day care.
- Informal transport to and from school.
- Guardian support to the parents.
The school has a holistic approach in addressing these uniquely challenged children’s problems. We strive to develop each learner to the best of their ability to fulfill their rightful place in society, all this while building a happy conducive environment where the children can feel safe, loved, and appreciated.
"It shouldn't matter how slowly some children learn as long as we are encouraging them not to stop."
-Robert John Meehan