Type of service: Day schools, Schools

The name of the Unit for pupils with special needs including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is the Enhanced Provision for Pupils with Communication and Interaction Difficulties. The Unit has places for eight Key Stage One children within the autism spectrum. The class is an integral part of the mainstream school with opportunities for a two way process of inclusion. Children from the unit are included in some mainstream sessions where appropriate and where staffing levels allow. Children from the mainstream classes also have opportunities for joining the Unit class. We provide a structured learning environment with visual prompts aiming for a play based curriculum that is driven by the children's interests. Planning is based on the stepping stones, Early Learning Goals and Key Stage 1 objectives where appropriate, the P scales and the children's IEPs. We work closely with the speech and language therapist who attends the class two mornings a week to work with groups and individual children. Termly reviews of progress are held with professionals that include the community paediatrician, school nurse and educational psychologist. We maintain close links with parents through our Home/School contact book and our termly open afternoons. The children are entitled to school transport as they come from across Torbay. Volunteers may be accepted to work with the pupils. There are two places currently at Riding for the Disabled. The school uses the SPELL framework.

Aimed at: Child

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour, Learning disability