What we do and who we're for

The children in our Resource, The Ark, come from all areas of Reading as well as the surrounding Boroughs, Wokingham, West Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

It’s no surprise that Autistic children  sometimes find it difficult to cope with school.  Many of whom also have comorbid diagnosis such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or Dyslexia. The challenges within a mainstream classroom can cause intense emotion and stress, often making it difficult for children to thrive and give of their best.

We try  to give the children routine and to help them enjoy success.  As much as possible they take part in the normal life of the school.  They go to assemblies, take part in sports days and school visits. Some children will have the majority of their learning within the mainstream class, but we have a small learning group for 10 children who have the majority of their learning within The Ark. We are also able to make available specialist therapies, we have our sensory room, and when things get just too complicated, the physical building of the Resource is a safe haven: an ark to provide refuge.

The Learning environment

The Ark has quiet spaces to help pupils to learn when class gets too much for them, including a sensory room equipped for calming or for stimulation.  A sensory garden is under development to include a music area, a wildlife area, a growing area and a fountain. Pupils can access this to help calm them down as well as learning about different plants and wildlife.