Guests at The Cavendish School’s autism and education event heard that building confidence, promoting self-advocacy and decoding the world should be core to autism education. The annual event, held on 10 April, explored the future of educating autistic students amidst the ongoing SEND education reform in England. In her presentation, Stephanie Smith, Head of…
Lisa Spann, Managing Director at Fledglings, reveals key ways parents can help children with SEND feel supported and regulated as routines shift during the spring months. As the days grow longer and the seasons begin to change, spring can bring fresh challenges for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). From lighter evenings and…
Ashley Park School, Walton-on-Thames – part of Options Autism, a leading provider of education for autistic children and young people, part of Outcomes First Group – has a very remarkable Teaching Assistant (TA) James, who has a deep understanding of exactly where the students at the school are coming from, as he’s also neurodiverse. James, who’s…
A new autism and neurodiversity resource is now available to help ensure road safety education is more accessible and inclusive for autistic people. Developed by Co-Pilot in partnership with the National Autistic Society, the resource supports road safety professionals to create learning experiences that recognise and respond to the needs of autistic learners. …
-Stephanie Smith, Head of School, The Cavendish School Independence, financial management, and community belonging. These are the biggest concerns that parents of autistic children have about their child’s transition into adulthood. With more than 180,000 autistic students in England, schools play a crucial role in helping autistic children to develop the skills, knowledge and…
More than 11,200 ‘severely’ absent autistic pupils are missing the equivalent of four months or more of the school year, new data analysis by the charity Ambitious about Autism reveals. According to the latest Department for Education data, in the school year 2023/24, 11,223 autistic pupils were classed as ‘severely’ absent – missing…
ADHD and autism are neurodevelopmental, lifelong conditions. They are examples of neurodivergence – not illnesses to be ‘fixed’, but different ways of thinking to what’s considered ‘normal’. Although there’s many associated strengths, significant difficulties can also rise within the standardised school environment. Neurodivergence affects each individual differently, and symptoms may not always be visible….
Emma Sanderson, Managing Director of Options Autism, a leading provider of education for neurodiverse pupils and those with complex needs, reviews the latest exclusion data, and questions whether the numbers highlight the need for a change to the current approach to addressing the challenges of pupil behaviour According to Government guidelines, ‘Behaviour in…
‘Autism Unpacked’ – a brand new podcast dedicated to exploring the multi-faceted world of autism is being launched by Options Autism, a leading provider of education for neurodivergent children and young adults. The podcast promises to bring fresh perspectives and inspiring stories, coupled with support, advice and practical guidance for parents, carers and families…
Helen Allison School supports autistic children and young people Principal Adam Wadey with children from Helen Allison School Wednesday 17 July 2024 – A National Autistic Society school in Kent is celebrating achieving a ‘Good’ rating from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), including ‘Outstanding’ ratings for two areas of inspection. Helen Allison School,…
Latest figures show nearly 20,000 autistic pupils were persistently absent from state secondary schools, and four in five experience mental health issues1. As the Government aims to tackle school absence rates, national charity Ambitious about Autism says poor mental health and a lack of support are major contributing factors. With over 70,0002 autistic pupils in…
Emma Sanderson, Managing Director, Options Autism, a specialist provider of education and care for autistic children, young people and adults and those with complex needs, discusses the challenges to equality in education for young people with SEND, and the implications for FE provision in the Government’s SEND Review Young people with special, educational needs (SEN)…
Andrew Griffith, Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs, visited multi award winning specialist school for children with a diagnosis of autism, LVS Hassocks on Friday 29th April to meet with Principal, Jen weeks, to find out more about the benefits of a specialist education for children with a diagnosis of autism. Mr Griffith…
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. One in every 100 people are on the autism spectrum and according to the National Autistic Society, there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. Qube Learning, a leading national recruitment and training provider, has…
The world’s first International Baccalaureate (IB) special autism school building has officially opened its doors, enabling The Cavendish School to accept an additional 50 students this term in Years 3 – 7. The school, which started teaching in September 2021, was previously located in temporary accommodation at Girton Glebe Primary School with capacity…
The Cavendish School, the world’s first International Baccalaureate (IB) special autism school is set to open on the outskirts of Cambridge in Autumn 2021. Based in Impington, The Cavendish School will also be Cambridgeshire’s first state maintained special free school provision for young people with autism. Initially admitting up to 40 students in Years 3…
