Centre for Autism
Introduction
Autism is recognised by governors and staff of Cage Green Primary School as a condition with important educational consequences. Pupils with autism have a complexity of need affecting their social communication, interaction and learning skills.
The Centre is located nearby on the school campus. It comprises of three classrooms and a large meeting hall with library and a soft-play area. It is an appropriate educational setting for twenty-seven primary aged children, who experience complications in learning related to a diagnosis within the autism spectrum.
Admissions
This is the responsibility of the LEA in conjunction with the Headteacher and the Centre Leader.
• All pupils have a diagnosis of autism and a statement of Special Educational Need
• All pupils should be able to take the opportunity of inclusion that being on a main school site offers
• Many will have average ability
• Some will be assessed as having moderate learning difficulties.
• Parents are always welcome to visit the Centre by appointment.
Environment
The Centre is a safe, structured, physically secure, predictable and caring environment. We focus on the development of social communication, learning and play skills and we ensure that each part of the curriculum contributes to the individual needs of each child.
Curriculum
Pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum modified to individual needs. Each pupil has an Individual Education Plan incorporating targets in the areas of Literacy, Numeracy, social communication and behaviour and inclusion, which is delivered as practically focussed as possible.
Younger children also have an individual plan targeting self-help skills, toileting, dressing and personal hygiene.
A large proportion of teaching time concentrates on the National Curriculum especially the core subjects of English, Maths and Science (see main school curriculum).
Literacy and Numeracy hours are an integral part of each class timetable.
ICT – The Centre children access the mains school I.C.T. suite as well as each classroom having its own computers, CD player, television and digital camera. As they progress children will experience a variety of selected computer programmes.
Music is taught by each class teacher. Activities include singing, rhythm work, percussion and the use of audio-visual materials. A music therapist visits each week to take each class.
PE - Children are taught in the Centre and at the Main School. They also use facilities at Tonbridge School.
Swimming - Each pupil has a swimming session once every two weeks.
Art/Design Technology - Children are given the opportunity to express their ideas and reinforce other curriculum areas through art and technology. They work with a wide range of materials and are taught basic skills and techniques.
Geography and History - are delivered as topics based upon National Curriculum programmes of study.
Social Outings - support, enhance and comlement many areas of the curriculum and are carefully prepared and followed up. All classes have regular outings into the local community and children learn to use public transport.
RE - is broadly Christian in nature. The children also have an opportunity to experience the traditions of other cultures and beliefs.
Homework – the policy is followed as in main school, but individual’s needs are catered for and homework is adjusted as necessary.
Clubs - All children are welcome to participate in clubs run by the main school. In addition, we are trialling Lego Club which supports social development. Lego Club
Classes
There are three small classes grouped according to age:
Class One – Reception and Year 1 pupils – curriculum follows the Foundation stage.
Class Two – Years 2,3 and 4 follow the National Curriculum modified to meet individual needs.
Class Three – Years 5 & 6 follow the National Curriculum modified to meet individual needs.
Behaviour
The same Behaviour Policy is followed as in main school. The individual pupils are managed/supported by the areas of the policy and our focus encourage positive behaviour management at all times and not just for critical incidents.
Speech and Language
Currently supported by 2 therapists, covering 3 days a week who work closely with all staff in the Centre to ensure that we exhaust all opportunities for supporting speech and language development.
Inclusion
As an Autistic Centre on a main school site, our primary aim is to facilitate successful inclusion into main school activities as far as possible. In conjunction with parents and mainstream school staff a flexible and appropriate programme for inclusion will be devised for each child.
Reverse inclusion occurs in Term 6 when groups of pupils from the Reception class at main school come over to play with the pupils from Class 1 at the Centre. This is often the first time that the pupils from Main school get to see where the Centre is located and meet their fellow Cage Green pupils. For the children in the Centre it is a way of extending their social interaction skills within a safe environment and hopefully the start to friendships that can be built on through inclusion of Centre children into main school at another stage.
Children from the Reception class at main school playing with the pupils from Class 1 at the Centre.
Children from The Centre visiting main school to use the playdale.
Parental Involvement
Cage Green actively encourages a working partnership between parents, children, staff and governors. This is regarded as essential for the successful development of all children. In the Centre there is daily communication between home and school using contact books to inform on the day's events and future plans. Parent/Teacher consultations and social events are held once a term. Each child has an Annual Review attended by parents and other support agencies.
Lunch
Pupils access the main school dining facilities at lunchtime. They join KS1 pupils for a hot school meal or bring a packed lunch from home. A higher adult ration enables the staff to use the session to further develop social skills and conversation.