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manage transitions
develop independent living and social skills
make choices
build vocational skills
Skills once 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 our young people 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 is able to focus on meeting the special
needs of its 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 safe, structured, calm, low-arousal
environment for learning and living with a range of facilities and
resources on-site to provide opportunities to develop independent
living skills, exercise, socialise, relax, and undertake vocational
work placements on-site.
Structure within the environment and organisation of the
day: Prior's Court uses the TEACCH system of structured teaching
with structure in the organisation of the day and the layout of both
school and home. 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.
o 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.
A large on-site therapeutic and health support team includes
Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration, Speech & Language
Therapy, Animal Assisted Therapy, Positive Behaviour Support and a
Nursing team. Other therapy such as music or specific health
support is brought in to meet individual requirements. The multidisciplinary
team is able to create a co-ordinated and consistent
support throughout 52 weeks of the year, training and supporting
staff as well as working with parents/carers, families and