Cherry Lane

At Cherry Lane Primary School we are proud of our Specialist Resource Provision for 10 children.  All children must have a diagnosis of ASD with additional complex needs stated on their EHCP.  The SRP enables these children to be a part of our thriving school community while receiving specialist support. Each child is on roll in a mainstream class and spends time there according to their abilities and needs. Wherever possible, the children will join their class for lessons and activities and are included in class trips and other projects. Our aim in the SRP is to create a calm, happy and structured environment in which the children feel secure and can develop their skills.

As well as developing their academic skills, our major focus is teaching social communication, emotional regulation and focusing on therapeutic targets.  This is possible with the help and support of weekly occupational therapy, music therapy and speech and language therapy.  The SRP has a broad curriculum including Literacy and Numeracy (differentiated mainstream plans are taught), fine and gross motor skills, communication and social skills, art, cooking, PE and enrichment activities in line with those in mainstream.

We have 5 full time staff including a Manager, 2 higher level teaching assistants and 2 teaching assistants, plus 1 lunchtime supervisor.  We use a variety of teaching approaches and methods, depending on the needs of the child.  These include the SCERTS framework, aspects of TEACCH, PECS and Social Stories.

Criteria for Admission  

All children will have a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (including Asperger’s) and a final or proposed EHC Plan of special educational needs.  

• Children will work towards accessing 50% of the school day in a mainstream classroom with support where required.  
• The expectation is that this percentage will increase as the child progresses through the school in preparation for secondary placement, but is based on an individual basis and some children will take longer than others.  
• Children must be able to access the mainstream with an ideal ratio of 1:2, adults to children.  
• Children requiring 1:1 support may be considered at the discretion of the SRP Manager and under negotiation with the LA Officer in regards to additional funding.   
• There must be evidence that the child’s cognitive ability shows some areas within the low average range or above, and must be on a compatible level with existing children in the unit.     
• Children in the foundation stage must show some desire to communicate and, at least, show signs of developing language or another form of symbolic communication.  
• Children in Key Stage 1 and above reveal some areas of expressive or receptive language functioning at least within mild to moderate delay.  
• Consideration will be given to children with an additional disorder or a range of disorders. However, ASD must be their primary area of need.

Children with complex behavioural needs and high anxiety will be considered at the discretion of the SRP Manager and Inclusion Manager.  Significant behavioural needs will be considered in line with the expectations of mainstream school.    

In order to access the school day children may require:  

• Availability of small teaching groups
• Access to therapy inputs and staff to deliver programmes
• Some individual support to meet specific needs and support inclusion
• Curriculum broken down into small steps
• Access to a distraction free environment

Referral Process 

All applications/referrals will be through the Disability Panel at the Local Authority.  

• Priority will be given to children living in the London Borough of Hillingdon.  Requests from outside the Borough will be considered by the Disability Panel and SRP Manager according to suitability and available places.  
• Staff from the Resource base will visit every child before consideration can be given to placement.

• The Disability Service, and the professionals within this, will propose admissions to the Resource base but the final decision as to whether or not to admit will rest with the SRP Manager, Inclusion Manager and Headteacher.  
• Some children may be offered an assessment place at the Resource base at the discretion of the SRP Manager. This will provide a further opportunity to investigate suitability for the provision if a decision on placement cannot be reached following observations of the child and discussion with other professionals. 

Exit Criteria  

It is important to note that the Resource placement will not necessarily remain appropriate throughout the child's time in the primary sector.  Children's needs can change and sometimes their progress indicates that a change of provision or placement is necessary. 

• Any discussions about a change of provision will be based on evidence presented at the annual review meeting.  Preliminary discussions will be held with parents/carers.  The evidence should include recent professional reports about the child.  

Any changes of placement will require a transition programme agreed by both schools and parents/carers.  

• Changes of placement that are deemed to be an emergency by the SRP Manager will be supported by the LA Officer and will be completed as quickly as possible to minimise distress to the child.