Education support for children with complex difficulties

The Outreach Service is based at Hampton Dene Primary School and provides advice and support to schools and other agencies in the educational management of children and young people who have a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The specialist teachers for complex communication difficulties hold a recognised postgraduate qualification in children’s autism and they have experience of working in a range of school settings.

How can I access the service?

Children and young people are usually referred by:

· A paediatrician based at the Child Development Centre (CDC)

· The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

· Their school.

What are the charges for the service?

All core and statutory work is provided free of charge to state-funded schools. Support for pupils in private schools is available for purchase. Training courses may be chargeable in some circumstances.

What services are provided?

A range of services are provided including:

· Specialist support and advice to teachers and other staff in schools to promote the inclusion and educational achievements of pupils with autism.

· Information about relevant training to individuals, schools and other agencies working with children and young people with autism to ensure understanding of the implications of their diagnosis

in the school setting.

· Advice on the adaptation of curriculum materials.

· Advice on more specialist approaches to use in the mainstream classroom.

· Advice on adaptations to the classroom environment for pupils who experience sensory processing differences as part of their autism spectrum condition.

· Professional liaison and multi-agency working to provide coordinated support.

· Contribution to individual programs of work.

· Autism Network for school staff working with pupils on the autism spectrum.

· A base library for autism and special educational needs (SEND).

For more information contact sphillips@hamptondene.hereford.sch.uk