Within every person, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, there is a precious, unique and timeless essence. This lies at the core of the Camphill ethos. Our celebration of Christian and other festivals and simple rituals at mealtimes serve to recognise our common connection to the wider cycles of nature and the universe. For us, a whole life includes recognition of the spiritual as well as the social, cultural, home and work life.
Within communities, we therefore attend to all aspects of a person’s wellbeing. Physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs are all given equal importance. In a busy world, we provide people with time and space to take a breath and find peace. We support people to use this time for reflection if they wish, through coming together at meal times and during our morning/weekly gatherings.
The nature of successful community living is that everyone has a part to play and everyone’s input is valued. We could see that all students had roles and responsibilities within the community, coordinators and students were living and working together as equals. The students told us that they felt listened to and valued. Everyone we spoke with felt that the support they received had helped them become more independent and had improved their life.
Care Inspectorate, Beannachar 2020
There is always a peaceful, calm feeling when you visit the school which is wonderful.
quoted in Care Inspectorate report, Ochil Tower School 2018
We focus on what every individual has to offer to the community. We help people to feel confident enough to try new things, and find out what they enjoy and are good at. Everyone is involved in helping the community to run, in line with their talents and abilities.
Where some people had become restricted in rigid routines due to the nature of their condition, the provider was adept at supporting them to stretch their boundaries so that they could experience new opportunities and develop coping strategies.
Care Inspectorate report, Campill School Aberdeen (Cairnlee) February 2020
We were confident that people’s needs were being met and people’s wishes and choices were being respected. People were empowered to be as independent and in control of their life as they wanted or could be.
Care Inspectorate report, Loch Arthur February 2020
