Valley School
Valley School specialist provision for pupils with autism: classes 4, 5 and 6. Some of the special design features of the accommodation are: whole class teaching area with visually clear, simple layout; in each of the classrooms, 2 smaller adjoining rooms for 'distraction free' work and 1 to 1 teaching; Information and communications technology (ICT) facilities - 2 PCs in each class with appropriate software and Internet access Shared 'Haven' room for quiet work or where children can 'de-escalate' if they become stressed or anxious; and access to integration opportunities for pupils where appropriate. Teaching and learning: teachers and classroom assistants have undertaken specialist training in teaching children with autism; individual education programme for each pupil matched to their needs; emphasis on teaching communication skills as suited to the needs of our pupils; emphasis on independence, social interaction and community awareness; 'active' curriculum - e.g. access to swimming, horse riding, trampolining and a range of educational visits; delivery of the full range of National Curriculum subjects adapted to meet the current needs of the pupils; collaborative work with the speech and language therapist and the educational psychologist; assessment via Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), 'P' scales and ongoing monitoring and observation; involvement of families in all aspects of their child's education; and excellent links with other schools and services for integration. Volunteers may be accepted to work with the pupils with Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks..