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By combining autism knowledge and best practice with a person-centred
approach, Prior's Court School aims to achieve the highest level of progress for
each individual across seven Areas of Learning:
• Communication
• Positive Behaviour Support
• Daily Living Skills
• Healthiness
• Keeping Me Safe
• Functional Academics
• Vocational Learning
Skills taught and practiced in one setting are then generalised in other settings
including off-site in the community. Frequent access to nearby villages, towns
and community facilities enables young people to work towards inclusion as far as
possible.
We have high expectations of the young people we support and celebrate their
achievements and progress in all areas of their lives.
Our approach to achieve outcomes
As an autism-specific school, Prior's Court School is able to focus on meeting the
special needs of the young people in the most effective and consistent way to
support their learning.
• The environment is specially adapted to meet young people's needs.
The aim is to provide a highly structured environment which is calm,
tranquil, safe and individualised, to provide opportunities to learn, exercise,
socialise and relax onsite, while supporting transitions and the strong focus
within our approach on physical exercise and the development of leisure
and vocational skills.
• Structure within the environment and organisation of the day: Prior's
Court uses the TEACCH system of structured teaching in the organisation
of the day and the layout of both school and home environments.
Schedules are used to timetable the day and individual work/activity
systems outline what is expected, routines provide a predictable sequence
of events, and the visual organisation of materials help define and make
clear expectations. This structured approach is personalised to support
each individual's needs and enhance their development. Studies have
demonstrated that this provides one of the most positive outcomes for
individuals with autism, helping them to understand the events in their
day, reduce anxieties, aid learning and facilitate independence.
• Prior's Court School's commitment to autism expertise means that staff
are trained and experienced in using a range of methodologies and
strategies to support each individual's needs and development in all
settings throughout the Waking Day.