Type of service: Day schools, Residential schools, Schools

Clarence High School is a non state funded school of 41 children with emotional, social and behavioural difficulties. We have had children with a diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) referred to us, although we have worked with some children who may not have been diagnosed for ASDs on their paperwork, but demonstrated symptoms prior to that. We currently cater for 6 children with higher functioning ASDs such as Asperger syndrome. Classes in the school have no more than 8 children, supervised by at least 2 adults, with 1:1 provision where appropriate. These classes are mixed to include children with ASD with those with other difficulties. We offer the national curriculum at an appropriate level to the students' capabilities, further aided by encouraging their strengths and interests. Pastorally, we have residential provision where necessary, and also offer a "safe place" to encourage social interaction and develop independent living skills. This runs primarily during lunch breaks, although efforts are made to accommodate students' needs outside these times to allow socialisation with the school community. All staff have had basic training in ASDs and there are a group of staff with more specialist knowledge on site to advise.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child

Specialisms: Generic

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour, Learning disability