Type of service: Day schools, Schools

The Communication Department was set up in September 1997, originally catering for up to 5 students. Over the years it has gradually expanded and now supports up to 21 students throughout all year groups. The Department supports students with statements of special educational needs (SEN), identifying difficulties with social communication (students who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)) as being the primary area of need. The aim is for all our students to be fully included within all curriculum areas. However, depending on level of need, some students are withdrawn from one or more subjects on either a temporary or permanent basis, and come up to the Department for study periods supervised by Department staff. The level of classroom support varies according to the level of need. Priority is always given to subjects where health and safety could be an issue, for example science and technology. Students can be withdrawn from lessons for 1:1 and/or group sessions aimed at developing language, social skills and life skills. These sessions are an essential part of providing for the objectives as outlined in their statement of SEN. The Communication Department is open and staffed before school and at each break and lunchtime in order to provide a 'safe haven'. This provides an ideal opportunity for modelling and moulding appropriate social interaction. The school uses the SPELL framework. The 'low arousal' aspect is however challenging in a mainstream environment.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements