Springfields Academy shares autism inclusion expertise with mainstream schools

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 06:00 · Archive

Springfields Academy in Calne hosted a discovery morning to share inclusive practices for autistic pupils with mainstream schools.

Springfields Academy in Calne, which supports autistic young people aged four to 19, hosted a Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence discovery morning on Thursday, 15 October. The event was designed to showcase inclusive practices that could benefit mainstream education. Part of the Reach South Academy Trust, the school currently supports 284 pupils, all with Education, Health and Care Plans.

Visitors participated in learning walks, discussions with senior leaders, and tours of the school's adapted provisions. The programme explored literacy, communication, personal development, and the school's culture of inclusion. The event highlighted Springfields' therapy-first approach and multi-layered inclusive provision, designed to help other schools develop similar support models.

Nicola Whitcombe, regional director for Reach South Academy Trust, said: 'We are incredibly proud of the inclusive practice that takes place every day at Springfields and the positive impact it has on our pupils and their families.' She added that specialist schools have 'a wealth of expertise that can support the wider education system' and that the morning was an opportunity to 'share what works and explore how approaches can be adapted to different settings'.

Springfields was recently named one of eight Beacon schools in the UK by the National Autistic Society and holds Advanced status in the society's Autism Specialist Award. The school also received an 'Exceptional' judgement in three areas following a recent Ofsted inspection.

How it is being reported

• Specialist school shares autism inclusion expertise with mainstream schoolsA specialist school is sharing its approach to inclusion.Wiltshire Times · 21 Oct, 05:00
• Specialist school shares autism inclusion expertise with mainstream schoolsA specialist school is sharing its approach to inclusion.Gazette & Herald · 21 Oct, 05:00
• Specialist school shares autism inclusion expertise with mainstream schoolsA specialist school is sharing its approach to inclusion.This Is Wiltshire · 21 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Springfields Academy · Calne · Reach South Academy Trust · National Autistic Society · Nicola Whitcombe

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