Type of service: Assessment, Nursery and pre-schools

Dragonflies class is a provision for children with social communication difficulties including ASD. There is a 1:2 adult:child ratio. Staff are experienced in working with children with communication difficulties and use clear, simple language, supported by visual timetables and cues. Children attend for three terms, starting in September and attend either morning or afternoon sessions for two and a half hours. There are places for up to eight children in each session. Strategies include: speech and language therapy, which is available for two days a week; occupational therapy, which is available one day a week; a TEACCH style approach, based on clear boundaries, routines and structures in a relatively distraction-free environment; PECS; signalong; intensive interaction; relaxation strategies, including TACPAC (a multi-sensory communication programme, based on touch and music) and Tatty Bumpkin yoga; a sensory room, where children have opportunities to relax and develop their social communication and interaction skills; and music therapy. Opportunities are available for supported integration into mainstream classes, where appropriate. All children in Dragonflies have IEPs, which are reviewed every two months. Referral to Dragonflies is made by Health/Education professionals. An assessment team meets regularly in the autumn and spring terms to diagnose the children's needs. Another disability catered for by the school is speech, language and communication delay.

Aimed at: Child

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements