A large number of pupils with needs associated with Autistic Spectrum Disorders are educated in local mainstream schools. This school maintains close links with Abbot’s Lea Special School and provide specialist support for the identified pupils. Trained teachers and support staff plan and deliver the curriculum and social aspects of school life to match the individual needs of the pupil.

Pupils attending this range of provision are assessed as having a range of significant needs requiring higher levels of special educational provision than other pupils. The National Curriculum is offered in appropriately differentiated and modified formats and the aim of the provision is to enable pupils to reach their full potential in learning and develop social and independence skills.

 All the schools operate an open-door policy for parents, carers and families and considerable emphasis is placed on close inter-agency working and regular review of the child’s needs and progress. All the schools maintain close links with mainstream schools and the secondary aged provision has developed highly effective and structured links with local colleges of Further Education.

Staff in all the schools have specific qualifications related to the areas of special educational needs covered and the overall staffing meets the DfE requirements. Teaching groups are therefore small and teaching staff are supported by qualified nursery staff and Teaching Assistants.

 In addition, all the schools have access to the full range of support services including medical professionals, educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

 Admission to the provision is through the Special Educational Assessment and Placement Service following an EHC assessment and the issuing of an EHC Plan, or an amendment to an existing Statement of Special Educational Needs.