Autism Resource Provision - Theale C of E Primary School

Last updated: 13/10/2023

The West Berkshire Primary Autism Resource is located at Theale C of E Primary School. It opened in autumn 2005 and currently caters for up to 10 pupils with autism spectrum disorders aged between 5 and 11 years. The Resource is one of two Primary Autism Resources serving West Berkshire.

The Resource is an integral part of the mainstream school. Resource pupils are on the roll of the school and the aim is to provide a top quality education in mainstream classes, supported by Resource staff. The Teacher in Charge of the Resource ensures that an individualised programme of support is planned for each child, in order to support their autism and learning needs. Pupils are included in mainstream classes and activities as and when they are ready. They may receive additional therapy support, when advised by Berkshire NHS Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists. Children have access to additional support programmes, which may include comprehensive social skills programmes and other activities, such as Riding for the Disabled, Attention Autism and Autism Awareness.

Who to contact

Contact Name
Miss Cathy Pullan
Contact Position
Teacher in Charge
Telephone
01189302239
E-mail
office@theale.w-berks.sch.uk

Where to go

Name
Theale Autism Resource
Address
Theale C Of E Primary School
Englefield Road
Theale
Reading
Postcode
RG7 5AS

Time / Date Details

When is it on
Term Time Only
Time of day
Afternoon
Morning
Lunchtime

Other Details

Availability

Age Ranges
4-11
Referral required
Yes
Referral Details

Places in the Autism Resource are allocated by the West Berks LA SEN panel.

Other notes

What qualifications/experience do staff in the Provision have?

Teacher in Charge:

B.Sc. Maths and accountancy PGCE

 

All other staff have received a range of ASD training, in house, provided by the LA, or National Autistic Society.

What training and support is offered to mainstream staff?

In-house training by Resource staff and therapists

Opportunities for training within LA

On-going advice and support from all Resource staff

Provision of specialist materials and resources

The Teacher in Charge of the Resource ensures that all staff in the school have an understanding of Autism and the Special Educational Needs that this condition may be involved.

Local Offer

Description

Number of Teachers: 1

Number  of Support staff: 1 HLTA, 9 LSAs

Additional staff may be employed where needs and funding allow.

Contact Name
Miss Cathy Pullan
Contact Telephone
01189302239
Contact Email
cpullan@theale.w-berks.sch.uk
SEN Provision Type
Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Local Offer Age Bands
5 to 7
7 to 11
Needs Level
Medium

General Provider

What are the eligibility criteria for your service? (please include any age restrictions, types of need catered for etc)

The Resource caters for children with a diagnosis of ASD, which has a significant impact on the pupil’s learning and development, and which requires specialised adult support in order to access the curriculum. The ASD Resources can cater for pupils who meet the following criteria:

  • Meets the LA’s statutory assessment criteria for an Education, Health and Care Plan with a Primary Need of Autistic Spectrum Disorder
  • Have a diagnosis of ASD which has a significant impact on learning and development
  • Have ASD and associated difficulties which affect access to the curriculum and require specialist teaching or support, including a high level of anxiety, extreme lack of flexibility, significant difficulties with social communication, or a high level of sensory integration difficulties
  • Have a level of ability within the range expected in a mainstream school - Have sufficient language ability to access the mainstream curriculum
  • Can access the mainstream curriculum but may need it presented in a highly specialised and flexible way and with opportunities for consolidation. Require intensive, specialist teaching and support to achieve the outcomes identified within the EHC Plan, this includes: -
    • A highly personalised programme to support needs associated with ASD within a flexible approach to adapt to the needs of individual pupils
    • Access to a high level of support from teachers qualified and experienced in teaching pupils with ASD
    • Access to appropriate advice and support from speech and language therapy - Access to appropriate advice and support from occupational therapy
    • A high level of support across the curriculum to include appropriate individual intervention and/or small group work
    • A carefully planned approach to supporting transition into mainstream environments
    • Supported inclusion in the mainstream environment
    • The possibility of access to an alternative curriculum, for example, at Key Stage 4, a reduced timetable for GCSEs and/or opportunities to engage with providers of alternative education
    • An environment and ethos of awareness of the needs of pupils with ASD within the wider school, and where all staff have relevant training

The provision will not be suitable for pupils whose primary need is related to: 

  • Emotional and behavioural difficulties
  • Speech and language delay. (West Berkshire Service Level Agreement)
How are referrals/applications made to your service? (include details of who can refer/apply and referral and application process)

Admissions decisions will be made by the SEN/EHC Panel in accordance with the agreed admission criteria for the resource.

If the Panel determines, having considered professional advice and parental preference, that a resource placement would be suitable, papers relating to the pupil will be sent to the Headteacher by the SEN Manager for consideration. The Headteacher will discuss any concerns or queries about admissions with the SEN Manager.

In the great majority of cases pupils will be put forward for placement on completion of a statutory assessment leading to an Education, Health and Care Plan, or following the Annual Review of a pupil who already has a statement or an Education, Health and Care Plan. An exception to this would include "Emergency placements" for pupils without a statement or Education, Health and Care Plan as permitted by the SEND Code of Practice, e.g. a pupil moves into the area and may not have a completed assessment, but clearly requires specialist provision; or a pupil's needs change dramatically as a result of accident or illness. In such cases, an application for an Education, Health and Care Assessment should be made by the Teacher in Charge on entry to the resource.

Once a pupil has been accepted by the school for a place in the resource, the school will put in place admission arrangements, including liaison with the feeder school, the child's parents and other professionals. An individualised plan for the pupil's transition into the resource should be discussed and agreed by all parties - the school, the pupil, the parents/carers and professionals involved with the pupil.

In the event of concerns about the suitability of a placement, the Resource staff should discuss these concerns with the SEN Manager or relevant SEN Officer. In addition, the Resource staff should ensure such issues are included in Support and Review Meetings. It may also be appropriate to arrange an early Annual Review meeting in order to formally discuss the placement. If a change of placement is being considered then the Resource staff must arrange an Annual review with the LA present to discuss the situation.

Competition for Places

If the SEN Panel identifies more suitable candidates for a resource than there are places available, prioritisation of candidates will be done by the LA in consultation with the school. (West Berkshire Service Level Agreement)

Who provides / funds your service?
Local Authority
Are children, young people, parents / carers charged for your service?
No
Inspection outcomes/quality awards

Ofsted Inspection in 2012 graded the school as Outstanding.

“Achievement in the school, including in the resource-based provision, is outstanding. Pupils achieve extremely well and are very well prepared for the next stage in their education.”

“All groups of pupils, including those in the resource base and those supported by the pupil premium, make excellent progress. This is because rigorous checking of individuals’ progress pinpoints gaps in learning, and teachers then ensure that all tasks and activities are carefully matched to pupils’ needs. This supports their excellent learning and achievement.”

“Teachers’ expert knowledge of the needs of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs means that intervention and support sessions, including those in the resource base, are skilfully shaped according to pupils’ different abilities, to promote high achievement.”

“The provision for those who have special educational needs, including the resource-based pupils, results in pupils being successfully integrated into all aspects of the school’s work. Staff work diligently to promote equality of opportunity, making certain that all potential barriers to pupils’ progress and discrimination are eradicated.” 

During a visit to Theale Primary School in April 2014, Michael Gove said “I was also very struck by the focus and progress I saw in the ASD English Class” 

Feedback and complaints procedure

Any complaints should be directed initially to the Teacher in Charge of the Resource, or to the Head teacher at the school. If issues remain unresolved the Service Manager for SEN and Disabled Children’s Team: SEN and DCT Service Manager, Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury RG14 5LD 01635 503646 jane.seymour@westberks.gov.uk 

Quality checks

  • DBS check

West Berkshire Council do not promote or endorse any of the services listed in this Directory. For more information on this please read our disclaimer.

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