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    • ASC Inclusion Base

    Our ASC Inclusion Base

    The Den is our specialist inclusion base for children on the autism spectrum.

    Our SEND teacher is: Mr G Lindop 

    All of our children are supported to achieve their individual targets in a small, nurturing environment centred around supporting communication and interaction.

    All of our children in The Den interact with children across the school at social times and access all opportunities and experiences offered at Hermitage. We work closely with parents and always take into account each pupil’s needs and individual targets.

    Facilities

    • 1 classroom for 7 children (EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2)
    • Sensory room (Rainbow Room)
    • Outdoor Area

    Our offer

    • Pupils should be able to access some mainstream lessons and be able to learn alongside their peers. However, there are times when pupils can find spending all day and certain lessons within the mainstream classroom too overwhelming and, therefore, they are based in The Den.
    • Pupils are supported by a team of adults who may also provide some support within the mainstream class.
    • The Den is staffed by a team of 3 adults rather than 1:1 support.
    • Specialised ASC specific teaching approaches such as; TEACCH., Attention Autism, PECS and the use of the AET Progression Framework.
    • We work closely with parents via regular communication, which will include Tapestry learning updates, regular meetings, telephone calls and speaking to parents/carers at the end of the day.
    • We have a multidisciplinary approach to learning and supporting the needs of each pupil within the inclusion base. This includes working effectively with our SALT, EP, CEAT and SPOTTS.

    Glossary 

    • ASC – Autism Spectrum Condition
    • TA - Teaching Assistant
    • ELSA - Emotional Literacy Support Assistant
    • TEACCH – Teaching, Expanding, Appreciating, Collaborating, Cooperating, Holistic
    • SALT – Speech and Language Therapy
    • EP - Educational Psychologist
    • CEAT - Cheshire East Autism Team
    • OT – Occupational Therapist
    • SPOTTS – Sensory Processing Occupational Therapy Support Service
    • PECS - Picture Exchange Communication System

    What works well in our Inclusion Base:

    • Visual timetables
    • Now and Next boards
    • Sensory circuits
    • Workstations
    • Start and Finish trays 
    • Reading Corner
    • Attention Autism 
    • Bucket time 
    • PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)
    • Small sensory garden
    • 5 point scale
    • Sensory room
    • Social stories
    • Zones of Regulation 
    • Speech and language therapist

    Admissions 

    • The Den has 7 places for pupils from Reception to Year 6 (4 years old to 11 years old)
    • Pupils should have an EHCP
    • Pupils who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition on their EHCP
    • Pupils who are on the pathway to a diagnosis stated on their EHCP

    Unfortunately, we cannot accept any pupil who does not meet the above criteria.

    How do I make an application?

    All applications must be made through the Local Authority. Even if we have places, parents cannot apply directly to the school for a place.

    Step 1 – If you are interested in accessing a place for your child at Hermitage Resource Provision we recommend you make a visit. You can do this by emailing Teleri Pitts, who is our SENDCo.  [email protected]

    Step 2 – Contact your SEND key worker or the SEND team from the local authority. [email protected]

    Step 3 – Once it has been agreed, the SEND team at Cheshire East will send your child’s EHCP to the SENDCo and Headteacher. The school will then read your child’s EHCP and may call your child’s setting or visit your child in their current setting. We will also consider the following:

    • Age Range: Reception to Year 6
    • All children must have an Education, Health Care Plan (EHCP)
    • All children must have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

    We will also take into consideration the following…

    • If the admission of the child would compromise the health and safety of pupils or staff within the school.
    • If the admission of the pupil would compromise or disrupt the education of pupils already in attendance.
    • The agreed number of places funded by the Local Authority is fully subscribed and admitting children over this number would be incompatible with the efficient education of other pupils or the efficient use of resources.

    The SENDCo and Headteacher will then write to the Local Authority and state whether they can meet your child’s needs within 15 days of receipt of the EHCP.

    Step 4 – The local authority will contact you to let you know the outcome of the process.