Introduction

Autism is recognisd by governors and staff of Cage Green Primary School as a condition with important educational consequences. Pupils with autism have certain difficulties which may require the specialised help of an individual unit such as Cage Green Centre for Autism.

The Centre is located nearby on the school campus. It comprises of three classrooms and a large meeting hall with library and a soft-play area. It is an appropriate educational setting for twenty-seven primary aged children, who experience complications in learning related to a diagnosis wihtin the autism spectrum.

Admissions

This is the responsibilty of the LEA in conjunction with the Headteacher and the Centre Leader.

All pupils have a diagnosis of autism and a statement of Special Educational Need
All pupils should be able to take the opportunity of inclusion that being on a main school site offers
Many will have average ability
Some will be assessed as having moderate learning difficulties.
Parents are always welcome to visit the Centre by appointment.

Environment

The Centre is a safe, structured, physically secure, predictable and caring environment. We focus on the development of social communication, learning and play skills and we ensure that each part of the curriculum contributes to the individual needs of each child.

Curriculum

Pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum modified to individual needs. Each pupil has an Individual Education Plan incorporating targets in the areas of Literacy, Numeracy, social communication and behaviour and inclusion. Younger children also have an individual plan targeting self-help skills, toileting, dressing and personal hygiene.

A large proportion of teaching time concentrates on the National Curriculum especially the core subjects of English, Maths and Science (see main school curriculum).

Literacy and Numeracy hours are an integral part of each class timetable.

ICT - Each classroom has its own computers, colour printer, CD player, television and digital camera. As they progress children will experience a variety of selected computer programmes.

Music is taught by each class teacher. Activities include singing, rhythm work, percussion and the use of audio-visual materials. A music therapist visits each week to take each class.

PE - Children are taught in the Centre or at the Main School. They also use facilities at Tonbridge School.

Swimming - Each pupil has a swimming session once every two weeks.

Art/Design Technology - Children are given the opportunity to express their ideas and reinforce other curriculum areas through art and technology. They work with a wide range of materials and are taught basic skills and techniques.

Geography and History - are delivered as topics based upon National Curriculum programmes of study.

Social Outings - support, enhance and comlement many areas of the curriculum and are carefully prepared and followed up. All classes have regular outings into the local community and children learn to use public transport.

RE - is broadly Christian in nature. The children also have an opportunity to experience the traditions of other cultures and beliefs.

Homework - We have no formal programme of homework but sometimes, by arrangement, children will be encouraged to work at home on, eg spellings and tables. Parents are encouraged to read to and with their children regularly.

Classes

There are three small classes grouped according to age:

Reception - For most children this is their first experience of school so they learn to adjust to the school routine. They learn to work and play together. The literacy and Numeracy hours are taught for the first time.

Class Two - Pupils become more independent learners. They learn to work collaboratively or in whole class teacher-directed lessons. They learn to organise themselves and select their own matierials and equipment.

Class Three - Social skills are reinforced and consolidated ona daily basis. Children work on curriculum subjects in either the Centre or main school according to ability. Children are prepared for the changes that Secondary transfer will bring.

Behaviour

Behaviour is interpreted in the light of our knowledge of Autism. Behaviour management strategies are used as appropriate for each child.

As with main school we use rewards and sanctions to encourage good behaviour.

We focus on developing appropriate and considerate behaviour towards others. All children have an individual behaviour management programme and we ensure a consistency of approach.

Speech and Language

A Speech and Language Therapist is on site 2 days a week. Class teachers work closely with the therapist to devise and deliver a speech and language curriculum.

Inclusion

As an Autistic Centre on a main school site, our primary aim is to facilitate successful inclusion into main school activities as far as possible. In conjunction with parents and mainstream school staff a flexible and appropriate programme for inclusion will be devised for each child.

Reverse inclusion occurs in Term 6 when groups of pupils from the Reception class at main school come over to play with the pupils from Class 1 at the Centre. This is often the first time that the pupils from Main school get to see where the Centre is located and meet their fellow Cage Green pupils. For the children in the Centre it is a way of extending their social interaction skills within a safe environment and hopefully the start to friendships that can be built on through inclusion of Centre children into main school at another stage.

Children from the Reception class at main school playing with the pupils from Class 1 at the Centre.

Children from The Centre visiting main school to use the playdale.

Parental Involvement

Cage Green actively encourages a working partnership between parents, children, staff and governors. This is regarded as essential for the successful development of all children. In the Centre there is daily communication between home and school using contact books to inform on the day's events and future plans. Parent/Teacher consultations and social events are held once a term. Each child has an Annual Review attended by parents and other support agencies.

Lunch

Hot lunches are provided by the school kitchen or the children may bring a packed lunch. Staff eat with the children in the hall area and lunchtime is used to teach and reinforce social skills.

Autistic Outreach

A full-time specialist advisory teacher works from the Centre to train, advise and support Primary teachers and learning support assistants working in schools in West Kent.

PACT (Parents of the Autistic Centre in Tonbridge)

Link to PACT web page