Type of service: Day schools, Outreach - education, Schools

Shine (formerly Aura) is a unit for pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at a mainstream secondary school and an outreach service providing support for pupils with ASD from five to eighteen years old. It is an Autism Resource Area that has been established since September 2001. It is an inclusive resource that supports pupils with ASDs. It facilitates their development of social communication skills and independence by providing a specialist service within a mainstream secondary school within the context of a supportive environment. Shine promotes access to a broad and balanced curriculum within the mainstream school, whilst providing small group support where necessary, aimed at meeting individual needs. Pupils from the resource spend the majority of their time in mainstream lessons with their peers who are of mixed ability. The pupils are supported by Teaching Assistants (TAs) in lessons where additional support is required. Pupils also attend lessons in the resource on average four times a week. These can vary from lessons of individual support to small group lessons with other pupils with an ASD which are usually taught by the Head of Shine. For pupils in Key Stage Four (Years 10 and 11) pupils have the option to study Skills for Working Life at the local college, visiting two half days a week with a TA. They can also complete a certified course in the resource based upon life skills. Website: www.theshineteam.com.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements