Our Facilities

 

Despite our size, relative to that of a mainstream setting, we have a wealth of provision available to our learners.   Extensive learning facilities combined with therapy areas and a multitude of engaging outdoor spaces ensure we offer our students the very best learning environment.  All areas of the school are autism friendly spaces and designed to link fully with our curriculum. 

 

Therapeutic Areas

The Sensory Gym works to provide essential proprioceptive and vestibular input for our students.  Our therapy team will deliver engaging sessions to students, helping develop their sensory, communication and motor skills.

The school has two sensory rooms. These provide a quiet space for escape and relaxation. 

The school features wide functional circulation spaces with individual break-out pods, and areas for interaction and play.

The outdoor spaces reflect our commitment to deliver learning in a  variety of environments, tailored to meet the needs of our learners.

For the younger students an adventure playground will provide an opportunity to develop essential social skills and  improve gross motor skills.

A traversing wall, outdoor gym, Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and cycle track will also ensure that our older students have access to a variety of outside play opportunities.

With Forest Schools provision, allotments and a sensory garden, the school will cater to the needs and interests of every student.

 

Academic Spaces

Teaching classrooms are predominantly low-stimulation environments. Every classroom connects to an individual learning area for times when children need some time apart to learn. All classrooms have access to safe and secure outdoor areas and dedicated cloakroom space and toileting facilities.

The IT suite has dedicated workstations with 3D print capability and a variety of software to engage every student in their learning.   Programming, robotics and animation are just some of the exciting subject areas that will be delivered here.

A central feature of the school is an open library area with the addition of an electronic loan service, comfy reading pods and story spaces. Children can relax on a bean bag and feel at home here with an iPad or book, whilst still being fully engaged in learning.

These include a fully equipped science lab, a food technology studio and music room. 

The sports hall is used to develop understanding of team games and sports. Children also have a safe indoor space to run and play. They are able to experience a variety of sports, all from the safety and familiarity of school.

 

Life Skills Provision

Used to explicitly teach our students skills for future independence, the flat comprises of a living room with TV and sofas, a domestic kitchen with cooking and washing facilities and a toilet/shower room.

This space enables students to experience the world from the safety and security of their school.  Using Virtual Reality and immersive technology our young people learn valuable life skills such as navigating their communities, video-modelling real life situations (e.g. shopping in supermarkets, using public transport)  and experiencing different work environments. Academic learning also comes alive as our students relive history, take field trips to far off countries or explore our oceans!

A small café style dining area is an integral feature of the school’s design. Here, students learn to order and collect their food, find seats and handle money.  Older students may also run community sessions here and sell homemade produce, developing entrepreneurial and commercial skills.