About Cumbria Academy for Autism
Overview
Cumbria Academy for Autism is a special free school which will provide specialist education to a range of students with Autism, in West Cumbria. At capacity, there will be a total of 56 placements for Children and Young People aged 4 to 19 years old.
West Cumbria has successful but limited provision for individuals with Autism, particularly for those who find a mainstream learning environment challenging. With rising rates of diagnosis and significant demand for specialist placements, the need for additional Autism provision has never been greater. CAA will seek to bridge the gap that exists in Autism education between the existing complex needs schools and mainstream settings.
As a spectrum disorder, Autism requires a continuum of provision to ensure every student has access to appropriate education. Currently local special schools take those Autistic learners with a severe or profound learning disability. The remainder are often supported in Mainstream settings, an environment which can often be too overwhelming for a large proportion of students. Autism Resourced Provision (ARP) satellites have been relatively successful in addressing the needs of this group of leaners, but they are limited in number, attached to mainstream schools and are not always accessible to many families in ‘the West’ due to their geographical locations. CAA will address this gap in provision by offering placements to students who neither qualify for special schools nor are they able to function in a full-time mainstream learning environment.
Cognitive ability of students at CAA will be wide ranging. The school will support both those individuals with mild/moderate learning disabilities through to gifted and talented learners. High staff ratios, small class groupings and a ‘stage-before-age’ pedagogy will provide flexible, responsive and bespoke learning opportunities. Teaching groups will have no more than 8 students in each, with learning delivered and supported by a Qualified Teacher, a HLTA and an STA.
The curriculum will have an academic focus but will be supplemented by high levels of intervention and therapy. Core academic learning will be taught alongside essential life-skills, providing a holistic approach to education, whilst personalised pathways from education will be created, to ensure students successfully transition into adulthood. It will be teacher led with significant input and guidance on the delivery of learning for each child from in-house professionals and therapists, who will continuously assess, monitor and evaluate the performance of every student ensuring that their Individual Education Plans (IEPs) reflect their individual requirements and are constantly relevant, effective and current. As a highly ambitious school, CAA will strive to ensure students receive the very best learning experience.
Staff Team
The aim is to recruit energetic and dedicated teachers, support staff, therapists and leaders to CAA’s team. The governing body is well established and determined to work with the Headteacher to recruit the highest standard of professionals to establish a strong, successful team who will focus on improvements in outcomes for every individual student.
Facilities
Extensive learning facilities, combined with therapy areas and a multitude of engaging outdoor spaces will ensure students can access the very best learning environment. All areas of the school will be autism friendly spaces and will be designed to link fully with the curriculum model. Specific facilities will include a Life Skills Flat, Immersion Studio, Sensory Gym and Sensory Rooms.
Vision
Cumbria Academy for Autism is passionate about its vision to form a special free school in West Cumbria which creates life changing opportunities for its students and this is reflected in the mission statement:
The values strongly underpin the vision, as they hold ‘AUTISM’ at the very core of the school; they ensure the students are always central to every decision made and everything that the school does:
- For every student, every member of staff and for the school; Believing each individual with autism has the opportunity to make a positive difference in this world;
- Setting challenging goals for students, staff and the school to ensure continuous progress;
- To offer a wide range of academic and ‘life-skills’ qualifications for our students, reflecting the differing needs of our diverse cohort
Recognising everyone needs compassion, empathy and patience, promoting tolerance and acceptance
To be determined and resilient in character; we will expect this of our staff and develop this in our students.
Being a positive and empowering school that encourages and celebrates success in all individuals and respectfully promotes autism in the wider community
- To be a ‘centre of excellence’ where knowledge and learning is disseminated throughout the locality, with satellites for learning and sharing knowledge, ultimately improving the lives of those with autism.
- For our students, their families, our staff and our community;
- Forging links with local schools, academies, colleges and organisations to share knowledge, resources and information with mutual benefit
- To work closely with our students to ensure all outcomes are in line with their aspirations for the future, whilst supporting their transitions into adulthood
Creating respectful, honest students with strong British values, to enable them to become respectable adults and good citizens.
