High Grange School

High Grange School’s multi-disciplinary approach incorporates best practices and autism-friendly strategies and supports in order to meet the educational needs of students who have ASD. Our students learn how to develop and use effective compensatory strategies to overcome difficulties in social and emotional processing, communication and flexibility in thinking and behaviour, all of which can combine to have a negative impact on their learning. The design of the school; its environment and facilities; and the structure and delivery of our educational programmes are created to reduce the stress and anxieties often associated with an autism spectrum condition. Our enabling teaching approach provides multiple physical and practical opportunities as well as visual supports for learning. This helps students to achieve their full potential by understanding and dealing with personal challenges while making the most of their abilities and strengths. Managing expectations realistically is a core part of our educational programme. Individualised Learning Plans are created for all students with input from the school’s specialist therapists. These plans include strategies to enable students to manage their anxieties; to regulate their emotional responses; and to reduce or eliminate negative and inappropriate behaviours which are preventing effective learning and positive social interactions. During the school day students have access to a varied and stimulating curriculum. The Classes are grouped by Key Stage and students are taught in small groups of up to 6. Teachers use detailed planning to ensure each individual is enabled to achieve in all areas. Classrooms are well-equipped and include specialist facilities for Music, Art & Design, D&T, Science, Computer Science and ICT, Food Technology and Performing Arts. High Grange has excellent PE facilities, including a swimming pool, large gymnasium, hard court areas and extensive grassed areas.