Autistic Provision
back to the About the School page
There are three classes in the Autistic provision which are grouped according to age and needs of the pupils. Class 2 has some of the younger pupils; Key stages 1 and 2, pupils in Classes 3 and 4 are a mix of Key stages 2, 3 and 4. Class 4 is the Inclusion class for pupils who are able to attend some lessons in the protective environment part of the school.
There are currently 22 places in the Autistic provision. Each of the classrooms in the Provision is a good size allowing enough space for individual as well as group learning. Two of the classrooms have been partitioned to allow a separate quiet area to facilitate pupils’ needs.
Classrooms are organised using a TEACH structure, with some pupils having individual visual or written timetables, others following a whole class written timetable.
 |
 |
 Covered outside playground. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Curriculum
In the Autistic Provision we work within the framework of the National Curriculum. We cover the core subjects of English and Maths, with three sessions a week for each of these subjects. Science, History and geography are covered in Topic sessions, with a different topic being covered each term. PSHE, ICT, Art, Music and Technology are taught as individual lessons.
In the teaching of all these subjects we consider the whole child’s global development and teaching aims to build upon and develop the social, physical emotional and intellectual abilities of our pupils. We identify individual needs and plan work and activities which develop the child in a progressive way. We base our teaching on a variety of approaches choosing the most effective for each child.
Planning includes national Curriculum Objectives and Triad of Impairment Objectives which cover Social Communication, Social interaction and Flexibility of thought.
All staff in the Provision have had some training in Sensory Integration and this is incorporated into whole class as well as individual teaching.
 |
 |
Interactive whiteboards are used in many whole group teaching sessions.
Teaching and learning through play.
 |
 |
As well as whole class teaching, pupils work in smaller groups to complete tasks.
Social communication and Interaction
In the provision we have Communication groups three times a week. Communication groups aim to improve Social communication skills and also develop social interaction skills in a safe environment.
Pupils are grouped from all classes in the provision according to the communication skills. Some of the groups make use of PECS to improve and extend communication skills. All groups make use of visual aids for the pupils, including a session plan to show what activities are included in the sessions and the order.
Communication with peers and adults that takes place during these groups helps the pupils develop social awareness of themselves and other.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Individual teacher work and Independent Work
All pupils in the AP have their own IEP which have targets linked to social skills, language and communication, reading, writing and maths. These are regularly reviewed and new targets are set once pupils have achieved them. Pupils work one to one with a key worker on their IEP targets regularly. Pupils also complete independent activities, working on their own. Many pupils have their own independent work booth and are able to work through a set of up to 6 trays of different activities.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Movement Play and sensory Work
Some staff in the Provision have attended Jabadao training. This looks at the importance of movement and promotes movement play as a vital aspect of learning, health and happiness - full-bodied and wholehearted whatever age, whatever energy.
Supporting child-led movement play makes a significant contribution to wellbeing - and supports learning and development.
In the Provision we now have Movement Play sessions where we combine the Jabadao philosophy with Sensory integration work. Sensory profiles have been completed for each child in the provision and we take into account the sensory needs of different pupils when planning Movement Play Sessions. We have an extensive range of equipment such as swings, therapy balls, wobble boards, scooter boards, weighted blankets. Depending on the sensory needs of the pupil different equipment is made use of for different children.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Visits
All classes in the Provision have a weekly trip as part of their timetable. Pupils are taken on the school mini bus to visit a variety of places within the community. One of the main objectives of these weekly trips is to improve and generalise social communication and interaction skills in a variety of settings. We visit a mix of different places including supermarkets and other shops, parks, museums and other places that may relate to topics being covered that term. We also arrange visits to places like a hairdressers and doctors and dentist surgeries to familiarise and help pupils who may find it difficult to accept visiting such places. Whilst out on visits pupils are encouraged to develop skills such as selecting items on a shopping list and paying for these with reduced support. After weekly visits pupils will return to school and spend some time recalling where they have been and what they have done.
 |
 |
 |
|
Inclusion
Pupils in the Provision are given opportunities for inclusion. Some of the younger pupils visit a local primary school once a week and take part in a Social Communication Group with some main stream peers. These groups are lead by staff from the Provision. Older pupils, where appropriate have some inclusion time in the Protective Environment part of the school. Pupils from the Provision who attend KS3 and 4 lessons in the Senior classes work towards Entry Level Certificates. All pupils in the Provision begin working towards an ASDAN Qualification when they are in Year 9.
