Resource Base for Autism (ASC)

Brunswick Park is one of four resource based schools in the borough, focusing on delivering a specific educational programme for children identified with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC). Brunswick Park Primary School has 14 places for children with ASC in the Resource Base provision.

Over the last three years we have made significant changes to the running of our Resource Base. We provide a tailored curriculum to meet the individual needs of our children. We believe all children with ASC are unique and require an adapted curriculum to suit their needs and to develop the ‘whole child’ against the academic and wider curricula.

Children are grouped according to need, age and ability having access to a wide range of activities and accessing the National Curriculum where appropriate. They work in a small group with adult support and children are encouraged to work with different adults to help them gain independence.

Children access the mainstream environment where appropriate and work alongside their mainstream peers. Children are assessed using a ‘small steps’ approach which demonstrates their progress in clear and precise stages; this allows for progress to be tracked in small increments and targets to be set according to individual needs. Children work in a structured and ASC-friendly environment; our staff receive training regularly to support the delivery of a variety of ASC strategies and techniques.

These include:

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System):

PECS consists of six phases and begins by teaching an individual to give a single picture of a desired item or action to a ‘communicative partner’ who immediately honours the exchange as a request. The system goes on to teach discrimination of pictures and how to put them together in sentences. In the more advanced phases, individuals are taught to use modifiers, answer questions and comment. Many children use PECS and build upon this knowledge to become more verbal in their communication.

To find out more visit: https://nationalautismresources.com/the-picture-exchange-communication-system-pecs/

Visuals and Communicate in Print:

Visuals, made using the Communicate in Print programme, are a vital tool that enable children with ASC to navigate through life. Visuals are key to supporting the structured environment we create in Resource Base and support the developing of confidence and independence as well as alleviating anxiety about what is coming next. These include visual timetables, now and next boards and visual instructions.
All staff around our school wear a lanyard with a set of visual instructions. This enables all staff to communicate and work with all children with ASC around the school. It easier for some children to interpret a visual cue rather than a verbal one.

All classes use a visual timetable to enable all children to navigate their school day. There are many visual signs around the school too.

TEACCH (Teaching, Expanding, Appreciating, Collaborating, Cooperating, Holistic):

The TEACCH approach is used by staff working with children who have ASC. TEACCH enables children to develop independence in learning and to consolidate skills in core areas of the curriculum and in other individual target areas for each child.

To find out more please visit: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/strategies-and-interventions/strategies-and-interventions/teacch

Sensory Provision:

We have a sensory room with a variety of apparatus that help children to navigate and manage their sensory needs. These include ear defenders, weighted blankets and fidget toys. We also run different sessions using lights, sand and water play, bubbles and play dough. Try our play dough recipe!

Fine and gross motor skills:

Many children with ASC have underdeveloped fine and gross motor skills. We use a variety of techniques to support children in this area including threading, writing and mark making and sensory circuits (balancing and climbing).

Have a look on the website below for more ideas to support your child.

https://theimaginationtree.com/40-fine-motor-skills-activities-for-kids/

Social and life skills:

We run afternoon social and life skill groups to help children develop the skills they need complete daily tasks. These include: developing emotional literacy; cooking; travel training; transition preparation (including secondary transition); and table top activities incorporating ‘learning to learn’ skills (waiting, eye contact, listening, sitting, turn taking and sharing). This is a provision offered to Resource Base and other children with ASC and/or Communication difficulties.

Children also take part in swimming sessions, cooking, PE, Music and a variety of visits in the local and wider community. Children are additionally taught and provided with opportunities to practice everyday skills like looking after ourselves, making friends, staying safe and learning about the wider world.

SALT (Speech and Language Therapy)

All children in resource base receive SALT. Targets are part of their daily routine in base and the children receive sessions with our therapists.

See our page on SALT

Workshops and resources for parents:

We offer a variety of workshops for parents to help them support their children at home and in the wider community. We can support with routines, communication at home, being safe and any other areas of daily life. We can provide a variety of resources including symbols, social stories, visual timetables, charts, PECS boards and ideas to use at home.

We also invite speakers from outside agencies e.g. Speech and Language, School Home Support, and are on hand to support parents in accessing any additional services or support they may need.

Applying for a place in our Resource Base for Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC):

Applications for a place in our Resource Base for Autism are managed by Southwark’s Special Educational Needs Section. If you are considering applying for a place in our Resource Base, there are a few things you need to know:

Your child must have a diagnosis of Autism;
Your child must have an Education, Health and Care Plan; and
If you, or your child’s school, contact Southwark SEN regarding applying for a Resource Based place, this will be discussed by a team of SEN professionals before a place is secured.

Decisions are based on children’s needs and availability of places at the Resource Based schools.