The ARC is an ‘Accessible, Resourced and Child-centred’ Specialist Resource Base Provision within Oakfield Primary Academy, catering for the needs of children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) with an Education, Health and Care plan. Spaces within the SRP are only agreed through the Local Authority and the casework team, after consultations have been sent formally.
Teachers know their pupils well. Staff set high expectations and develop pupils' resilience. If pupils find something hard, they are given additional help if they need it. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Teachers support pupils with SEND to be successful, including those from the resource-based provision. Pupils are given carefully considered resources to allow them to work alongside their peers. Lessons are adapted to ensure that these pupils achieve well. The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) knows the pupils well. Checks are made to ensure that work is closely matched to what pupils can do.
Oakfield Primary Academy believes that all pupils should have equal opportunities to access a full and engaging curriculum delivered by trained staff that enables them to achieve their full potential.
In addition to the resource base, each child has a link class in the mainstream. All pupils are regarded as part of the school and have access to the activities and provision offered in the mainstream. We encourage our pupils to integrate as fully as possible.
ARC – admission criteria.
Children will be offered a place if:
Each application will be considered following an observation of the child in their current setting and scrutiny of their EHCP.
Decision about the placement will be based on the current cohort ensuring variable mix of abilities, age and needs.
The ARC offers an adapted curriculum, environment and teaching strategies to enable our children to access learning and achieve their full potential. Each child works on a personalised timetable based on their individual needs. We have a Speech and Language therapist at Oakfield who works with teaching staff to help target Speech and Language needs. In addition to the EYFS/National Curriculum, children have access to a range of interventions and additional support.
Additional aids and resources are provided as appropriate to ensure success. This may include ICT, visual timetables and prompts, communication aids and staff, although not necessary 1:1 support. Our focus is developing independence and removing barriers to development (academic and social).
The following video is written by the National Autistic Society to give you a general overview of what ASD is and how is can affect different people. Also gives advice on what support is available.
The group is for parents and carers of children and young people with Asperger Syndrome or Autism. An opportunity for parents/carers to talk and listen to others with similar experiences. To exchange ideas and information and discuss concerns. All welcome, just come along.
Location:
Kent Autistic Trust Head Office
14 High Street Brompton
Gillingham
ME7 5AE
Once a month. Thursdays 10:30am – 12:00pm:
18th January, 22nd February, 15th March (no meeting in April), 17th May, 21st June, 12thJuly, (no meeting in August) 20thSeptember, 18thOctober, 15th November
For more information please contact:
Jo Blamires (Family Support Officer)
Phone: 01634 405168
E-mail: jo@kentautistic.com