The Alternative Specialist Provision at Shepwell is committed to meeting the needs of all children and young people within the Walsall community. Our vision is to provide the highest quality education and pastoral care and we employ a highly trained team with a vast array of experience and fully committed to providing the best support and education for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
Entry Criteria
Diagnosis of AS EHCP/Statement
Factors affecting their inclusion and progress are social and emotional in nature, related to their autism, rather than extreme challenging behaviours.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Alternative Specialist Provision is committed to helping people on the autism spectrum fulfil their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives, through:
• Facilitating the development and delivery of therapies, educational programs, arts and
sports programs as well as proving independence;
• the development of outreach programs that will facilitate the sharing of best practices,
support, and programs with the ASD community and beyond;
• understanding the nature of Autism Spectrum Disorder, raising awareness, and
promoting the value, acceptance and inclusion of people on the spectrum.
VISION STATEMENT
The Alternative Specialist Provision will strive to be a game-changing resource in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder education in the Borough of Walsall, delivering and facilitating the delivery of programs that are leading examples of what should be available to people with Autism Spectrum Disorder across the Black Country.
Through our commitment to learning and the sharing of best practice SLC envisions being a driving force in helping people on the spectrum, realise their potential and individual aspirations and become valued and productive members of the community.
- What is AS? (leaflet)
- Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.
It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.
Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.
At Shepwell we have a number of pupils identified as being on the autism spectrum who need something more than mainstream school. Many struggled at mainstream and now flourish because being in a small and personalised environment supports their needs.
When parents are informed that their child has a diagnosis of autism, it can be worrying for some parents, but some it’s a relief because they can now understand their child’s symptoms. At Shepwell, supporting parents very important and we offer support and signpost parents in various different ways.
Parent Support Network for Autism is a local group run by parents for parents. The group gives parents the opportunity to learn from one another, share their own experiences and support one another. Click on the links below to learn more about PSNA.
In Class support
1:1/Small Group interventions
Social use of Language Programme
Talkabout
Lifeskills
Sensory
Colour coded timetables
Parent support group
Support for extra curricular activities
Student centred timetable
Independent Travel Training
Differentiated resources
Home support
Transition
CAMHS
Autism West Midlands
Walsall Council SEN Team
Walsall Autism Working Party
Educational Psychologists
Speech and Language Therapy Service
Shepwell School Staff
Walsall Careers Service
Walsall School Nurse Team