Type of service: Day schools, Schools

Website: http://www.heltwate.co.uk

We are a provision for pupils aged 5 to 19 years with Moderate to Severe Learning Difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Condition and many additional medical needs. We are currently situated over two sites and have provision across the school for pupils with autism spectrum condition.

Each child at Helwate has an individual curriculum centred on what we know about them, and what they want and need. Each curriculum takes into account the knowledge, visions and priorities of parents, carers and other professionals. Staff provide chances within the curriculum for students to develop social understanding, and this happens by taking the children to visit places in the community, supported by social stories.  The children learn how to conduct themselves in these public places, which then also supports the development of their communication and basic functional self-help skills.

Calm spaces are provided for the students to use as and when required to enable them to self-regulate. An emphasis on communication is an integral component across the school. We work on the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECs) and British Sign Language (BSL) but we teach pupils to communicate using a variety of different methods such as gesturing and pointing to symbols/ images. We ensure that verbal language is kept to a minimum to avoid sensory and language processing issues. Communication from staff is also is supported with symbols, (Communication in Print) as well as Information around the school to fully meet with the needs of our pupils.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child

Gender: All genders

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements

Level: NAS Autism Accreditation - Accredited

Year: 2020