Type of service: Assessment, Nursery and pre-schools

Ilminster Avenue Specialist Nursery School and Children's Centre is an inclusive setting comprising of a large nursery school, children's centre, and specialist provision for children with severe and complex needs, including autism spectrum conditions (ASC). The child development assessment centre and a range of health services are also based in the centre. Facilities are shared across two buildings and feature two sensory rooms, two soft play rooms, a hydrotherapy pool and outdoor learning areas. Children with ASC can access places, alongside their peers, by contacting the setting directly and requesting registration. Places in the specialist provision are allocated through special educational needs (SEN) services. We use a range of approaches and interventions to meet the needs of individual children, eg a Total Communication approach including Makaton signing, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Objects of Reference, Visual cues and timetables, workstations, social stories and consistent behaviour strategies. Children with a wide range of additional needs are supported by teachers and early years practitioners across the setting. We work closely with other agencies to provide a holistic service for children and families. The service also offers family courses, groups and support. Volunteers may be accepted to work with the pupils. The age range is all children birth to five years. Specialist classes are 3-7 years.

Aimed at: Child

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour, Learning disability