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• self-manage behaviour
• communicate
• manage transitions
• develop independent living and social skills
• make choices
• build vocational skills
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 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 School 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 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 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.
• 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 multi-disciplinary team is