Type of service: Residential schools, Schools

Progress School is an independent special school, where pupils live in large detached community houses in groups of four in the Preston area. Pupils are transported into the school site where they receive a very individualised package from teaching staff who write programmes tailored to meet individual needs. All pupils have a staff ratio of 1:1. Teachers, therapists and senior staff are additional. Classrooms range from individual rooms, shared classrooms with peers and small groups, many organised in the Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped CHildren (TEACCH) approach. Programmes to remediate challenging behaviour and teach socially valued alternatives are the primary focus of the school as a service. Core National Curriculum subjects are accessible to all pupils. A 16-19 curriculum is in place, along with a residential curriculum for out of school hours. The school accesses a number of community facilities including swimming baths, sensory play room, horse riding and sports centre as part of the weekly timetable. Community access is encouraged during out of school hours. The school includes 80% or more students with autism.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child , Young person

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour, Learning disability

Level: NAS Autism Accreditation - Accredited