Type of service: Day schools, Schools

A Designated Resourced Mainstream Provision for pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been established at Sowerby Bridge High School. A classroom has been suitably modified to provide a low distraction environment to facilitate good learning in pupils with ASD. The base includes cloakroom facilities. Pupils are included in mainstream lessons wherever possible but are withdrawn to the base for individual or small group work. The base also serves as a 'safe retreat' for pupils with ASD who find social situations such as break-time stressful. The provision is managed by a member of the ASD service, who has extensive experience in working with pupils with ASD and has completed the Diploma in Autism at Birmingham University. It is closely linked into other professionals in the ASD Service who provide support and advice regarding individual pupils. To ensure consistency across the Authority's provision and to facilitate the successful transfer of pupils into the range of placements, the provision follows established practice within the ASD Service, for instance using the same visual symbol systems. Pupils are educated in groups with others with ASD and in mixed groups.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements