Our Lady of Lourdes currently has a fourteen place resource provision for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and social communication difficulties from EYFS to Y6. The provision is currently split into two separate classrooms, The Seedling for EYFS and KS1 children and The Orchard for children in KS2.

The Seedling is a multisensory teaching environment that builds on children’s curiosity allowing them to explore and develop skills at their own pace. The classroom follows a total communication approach supporting children to develop their language and interaction skills.

The Orchard is a low stimulation teaching environment providing Maths, English and foundation subjects for children in Key Stage Two. The Orchard provides a calm, multi-sensory and enabling environment that supports children’s individual strengths and needs.

The aims of the Resource Provision

• To provide quality education and a broad and balanced curriculum tailored to individual needs of children
• To provide targeted intervention support as needed
• To provide a highly supportive environment in which children can develop positive relationships with adults and their peers
• To offer opportunities for inclusion into mainstream classes when appropriate
• To meet the needs of every learner through an individual adapted curriculum
• To create targeted learning opportunities using a range of teaching methods and resources so children can develop their confidence and reach their potential
• To create a supportive, structured environment in which children feel happy and safe
• To allow children to thrive in an enabling, calm multi-sensory environment
• To work closely in partnership with parents and other professionals to ensure the best outcomes for children
• To involve children in the wider Catholic life of the school and value each child as a unique child of God
• Provide children with opportunities to develop their social communication, social interaction and emotional literary skills
• To support children in developing their emotional and sensory regulation
• To support children to gain independent learning and living skills