Our RP team strives to meet the needs of our children who have ASD. They recognise that Autism is varied and complex, and adapt their practices to support each child’s progress.
We are very proud of the extra facilities for children in our provision. These include a sensory room, which is equipped with a range of resources to stimulate and soothe; our soft play room, which allows for vigorous and yet safe play; a trampoline, complete with safety enclosure; a large platform swing, which provides pleasurable vestibular stimulation; and a sensory garden, where children interact with living plants as they grow and change with the seasons.
Each of these extra facilities can be incorporated into learning plans.
Learning in the Resourced Provision is facilitated in the following ways:
- All of our staff receive training and advice on working with each individual child.
- The children’s days are carefully planned to incorporate routine and variety designed to develop their independence.
- Learning plans use a multi-sensory approach, taking into account children’s individual needs and levels of development.
- Use of a variety of strategies and interventions, including Intensive Interaction, Core Vocabulary Boards, Social Stories, TEACCH, sign-along and SCERTS.
- Children who are given places will have the opportunity to make a staged transition to the school.
The teachers are further supported by specialist sports coaches, who offer extra P.E. lessons to our R.P. children. These make use of a variety of equipment, e.g. parachutes, fit balls, balance beams and gymnastic vaults.
Our coaches not only work with children on individualised physical skills such as balance and motor co-ordination (e.g. rolling), but on social skills, e.g. turn-taking, as well. Our children benefit hugely from these additional sessions, which are also made available to our children with SEND in our mainstream classes.
We also make use of specialists such as our RP Speech and Language Therapist. Our RP Speech and Language Therapist works with us one day a week and supports our provision by:
- Making assessments of pupils.
- Providing targets and end of year outcomes.
- Recommending strategies and resources for children on an individual or group basis.
- Providing staff training.
- Supporting parents with consultations and workshops.
