Type of service: Assessment, Nursery and pre-schools

Website: http://www.chertsey.surrey.sch.uk

The name of the unit for children with special educational needs (SEN) is the SEN Cluster Class. The SEN Cluster Class at Chertsey Nursery School provides for 10 children with a variety of complex needs. The entry criteria states that no more than 50 per cent should have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The children follow a differentiated foundation stage curriculum and Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely (SMART) targets on Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Staff work in close partnership with parents and the class can be used as an assessment place to more clearly define each child's needs. The main school has approximately 60+ children and the Cluster Class are very much an included part of the whole school. The Cluster offers 'the best of both worlds' ie a structured, secure environment with strong staff support alongside opportunities to learn from social / language / learning models of the mainstream. Volunteers may be accepted to work with the pupils. Volunteers tend to be students such as nursing trainees, or students on work experience following a course in child studies.

Aimed at: Child

Gender: All genders

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour, Learning disability