Context
The Launchpad is a specialist provision that offers individual programmes of education for junior-age pupils with a diagnosis of Autism or social communication and an EHCP. The Launchpad is for pupils that do not require a special school but find a full time mainstream environment challenging. We are able to offer a bespoke combination of access to mainstream classes alongside specialist teacher input, support and adapted environment. Children can start a placement in year 3 through to year 6. Our aim is to integrate the children into mainstream classes. We do this by structuring their support to match what they need, ensuring they can succeed when integrating. This is a flexible process and is carefully monitored
Environment
The Launchpad has two large teaching spaces specifically designed for small group and 1:1 work. The classrooms are tailored to the differentiated curriculum and according to the support needs of the children. Visual displays are used to aid learning but are kept intentionally minimal to reduce distraction. There is also a sensory room equipped with soft furnishings and sensory toys and a calm room that serves as a low-arousal space. Outside, there is a self-contained courtyard adjacent to the lower-school playground.
Curriculum and assessment
The basis of the curriculum is drawn from the national curriculum. It is adapted to match the EHCP targets and abilities of the pupils, enabling success & accessibility as well as providing challenge. We use a range of teaching and learning methods that support children with autism to access all areas of the curriculum. We use colourful semantics to support the childrens’ understanding of semantic structure and enable them to develop independent reading and writing skills.
