Type of service: Assessment, Day schools, Outreach - education, Schools

Website: http://www.st-james.richmond.sch.uk

The name of the unit for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is The George Tancred Centre. The Centre is a local education authority provision. All pupils have a statement of special educational needs (SEN) and an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Pupils receive Speech and Language Therapy (SALT). Some pupils receive Occupational Therapy (OT). Planning incorporates SALT, OT and IEPs into the delivery of each curriculum subject whenever possible. Other professionals advise on programmes of learning to be incorporated into lesson plans. In addition to autism, some pupils may have other developmental disorders such as Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADHD), learning difficulties and dyslexia. Whenever appropriate, pupils participate in activities with the mainstream school. Mainstream pupils attend reverse integration sessions for literacy, numeracy and language and communication (social skills) programmes. Mainstream pupils attend for reverse integration during playtimes. We operate a low distraction environment. Pupils work at a workstation to minimise sensory distraction from visual and auditory stimulus. Noise and visual displays are kept to a minimum. We teach from a multi-sensory curriculum focused on the five core sensory systems (vision, taste, smell, auditory and tactility) to provide pupils with positive sensory experiences to learn how to use and adapt their senses. Volunteers may be accepted to work with the pupils.

Aimed at: Child

Gender: All genders

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements

Other specialisms: Learning disability