The Launchpad (SSC)

What is the Launchpad?

The Launchpad is a Social Communication Specialist Support Centre (SSC) within a mainstream school, providing tailored educational programmes for junior-age pupils (Years 3 to 6) who have a diagnosis of autism or social communication needs, alongside an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

The Launchpad is designed for children who do not require a special school setting but find a full-time mainstream environment challenging. In The Launchpad, we offer a bespoke blend of access to mainstream classes and targeted specialist support. This includes adapted learning environments, direct input from experienced specialist teachers, specific work on EHCP targets and support to access mainstream classes and be part of the whole school community. We carefully structure each child’s support package to meet their individual needs, ensuring they can thrive during the integration process. This is a flexible, closely monitored approach, tailored to each pupil’s progress and well-being as well as involving parents / carers and other professionals.

 

Life in The Launchpad - Environment

The Launchpad is organised into two mixed-age classes, each thoughtfully structured to meet the needs of our pupils:

• The Purple Room
• The Green Room

Each class is led by a specialist teacher trained in Special Educational Needs, supported by a skilled team of teaching assistants. All staff bring a wealth of experience and expertise in working with children with autism, ADHD, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), trauma, and a range of other additional needs. Most importantly, they bring compassion, patience, and a deep commitment to helping every child thrive.

In The Launchpad, we understand that the world can sometimes feel overwhelming and unpredictable for our children. Changes—especially those that are unexpected—can be difficult. That’s why we’ve created a calm, nurturing environment where every child feels safe, understood, and valued. Our days are built around clear, predictable routines, with each child following a timetable designed around their unique needs, strengths, and interests. This approach helps children feel secure, grounded, and ready to learn in a way that suits them best.

We believe that when children feel calm and confident, they can truly flourish. Our consistent teaching approaches, structured classrooms, and cross-curricular visual supports empower children to become more independent and fully engaged in their learning.

Communication is central to everything we do. We follow a Total Communication approach—integrating Makaton, visual aids, and modelling—so that every child has the tools they need to express themselves and feel heard.

We’re also fortunate to have three dedicated breakout rooms, designed to support regulation, wellbeing, and focused learning:

• The Sensory Room, equipped with sensory resources and a comfortable sofa, offers a peaceful retreat for relaxation and sensory exploration.
• The Calm Room serves as a regulation space, filled with favourite sensory toys, fairy lights, and giant bean bags—helping children to reset and feel at ease.
• The Little Room is a quiet, focused area used for targeted interventions and small group learning sessions.

Everything in The Launchpad is carefully designed to meet our children where they are—nurturing their wellbeing, building their confidence, and supporting them on their journey towards independence and success.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is rooted in the National Curriculum but carefully adapted to meet each child's individual needs, abilities, and EHCP targets. This ensures learning is accessible, meaningful, and appropriately challenging for every pupil.

We use a wide range of evidence-based approaches that support autistic children in engaging with all areas of learning. These approaches help build communication, emotional regulation, independence, and social understanding.

Some of the approaches we use include:

• Colourful Semantics
• MyHappyMind
• Zones of Regulation
• Attention Autism
• Comic Strip Conversations & Social Stories
• Talk for Writing
• TEACCH
• Social Skills Development
• Cooking and Life Skills
• ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support)
• Forest School

Through these carefully selected strategies, we aim to create a curriculum that nurtures confidence, builds key skills, and helps every child achieve their full potential.

 

Working with Parents

At The Launchpad, we believe that strong partnerships with parents and carers are key to each child’s success. We pride ourselves on our open, honest, and supportive communication with families.

In addition to the annual review, we stay in regular contact through phone calls, emails, and face-to-face conversations. We’re always happy to talk and work together to support your child’s progress and wellbeing.

We also host a termly coffee morning, giving parents a chance to connect, share experiences, and speak with staff in a relaxed setting. Throughout the year, we celebrate together with special events such as our Christmas Party and Summer Picnic—moments that bring our community closer and celebrate our children.

I have been part of the Maidenbower Junior School community since 2013, beginning my teaching journey in mainstream before joining The Launchpad in 2020. Over the years, I have developed a strong passion for inclusive education and a deep commitment to supporting neurodivergent learners. I am currently studying for a Master’s in Inclusion, specialising in autism and ADHD. Alongside this, I’m training to become an Advanced Practitioner in Attention Autism—an approach I value for its engaging and accessible way of supporting communication and attention skills.

Having taught across different settings, I recognise the challenges the National Curriculum can sometimes present for children with diverse needs. I enjoy finding creative ways to adapt topics, making learning fun, accessible, and meaningful for every child. I believe that wellbeing sits at the heart of a successful learning journey. I work closely with children to help them develop their own strategies for feeling grounded, calm, and safe. Once they’ve found that sense of security, I love helping them grow in confidence and reach their full potential—whatever that may look like for them.

Mrs Ricketts - Teacher
Purple Room

To be completed

 

 

 

HLTA's and TAs are:

 Mrs Sewell           Miss Morgan            Mrs Vigors             Miss Maloney           Ms Bickers   

 

  

  Miss Hancock      Miss Coleman     Mrs Jordan          Miss Clarke