Type of service: Day schools, Schools

Walkwood Mainstream Autism Base is situated in a large classroom within the main school. It is staffed for 10 pupils between the ages of 9 and 13 (years 5 to 8) who are statemented for autism. There is one full time teacher, one part time and 64 hours of teaching assistant time covered by three staff, all of whom are experienced in the field of autism. Individual timetables are prepared to meet each pupil's needs. They access the mainstream lessons with their peers for those lessons where they can have a positive experience. Individual or shared Teaching Assistant (TA) support is given for some integration lessons and strategies such as differentiated work, cue cards, use of TEACCH, social stories and structure of the environment are used where appropriate. Lessons not accessed in mainstream are delivered in the base in small groups and whilst National Curriculum subjects are taught, there is a greater emphasis on the teaching of social skills and addressing the wide variety of communication needs present in the pupils. Pupils in the autism base may choose to be included in all whole school activities such as assemblies, off-site visits, lunchtime clubs, sports and drama productions. Strong links are set up with parents and a team of professionals, which include a speech and language therapist and an educational psychologist. Occasional work experience student or trainee teachers may be accepted to work with the pupils. There is approximately 70 hours TA time per week.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements