Higford School

Higford is a DfE registered School, offering day and residential placements and has achieved Autism Accreditation with the National Autistic Society for Quality Autism provision. We offer adapted and differentiated access to the National Curriculum for students at key stage 2-4, supplemented by ASDAN programmes ‘New Horizons’ and ‘Transition Challenge’. For students at key stage 5 we offer a vocational and life-skills curriculum, based around the ASDAN ‘Personal Progress’ award, supplemented by additional units of work or accredited programmes as appropriate, including community

We offer an exceptional range of activities and amenities designed to promote the development of life skills and apply learning across a range of contexts. These include:

• Classrooms designed specifically for young people with autism and complex needs
• A ‘Sensory Hub’ made up of a range of different sensory rooms in which      students can explore new sensory experiences and take control of their      environments, including a water play room, wellbeing room, sensory room,      health hub (incorporating sauna and gym) and soft play room
• A sports hall and ball-court for PE and sporting activities
• A bistro area for shared dining
• Outdoor facilities including a sunken trampoline, playground, climbing-frame,      swings and extensive grounds where students can engage in adventurous      physical activity

Our multi-disciplinary team approach offers a holistic service based on sound knowledge and understanding of autism and what works in supporting learning for people with Autism and additional needs. Our clinical team is based on-site and includes speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychology and nursing services. We offer a high ratio of staff to pupils, generally 1:1 support provided with a class of up to 5 students. All staff have comprehensive training, focusing on the specialist knowledge necessary to support the complex needs of our students.

We aim to ensure we support the development of young people who are: happy and confident with a positive self-esteem, able to learn independently and cooperatively, independent and sociable, able to communicate their feelings, wishes and needs and are able to make choices, manage their own behaviour and enjoy life.