Forest Lodge
Forest Lodge is our Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP) for children who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with a primary need of autism. We opened in October 2018 and currently have children up to Year 6. Our provision is divided into two classes; Blossom Class (Reception and KS1) and Cedar Class (KS2). We have space for two children in each year group from Reception to Year 6. All children in Forest Lodge are also part of their mainstream class and access learning in both classes across the week where appropriate.
We provide a broad and balanced curriculum that is differentiated appropriately based on the individual needs of the children. Alongside the core subjects, there is a strong emphasis on learning in the following areas of the curriculum:
• Communication and Language
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Physical Development (including health and self-care)
• Life Skills
We offer weekly life skills sessions that often involve visiting the local community. This supports our children to transfer the skills they have learnt at school into the wider world. Some examples include the park, cafe, supermarket and using public transport. We also work on road safety, stranger danger and following instructions.
Children in Forest Lodge also have access to specialist support through Speech and Language Therapy, the Autism Advisory Team, Occupational Therapy as well as other services and therapies e.g. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). Forest Lodge staff work closely with external agencies to plan jointly, set individualised targets and support ongoing learning.
In Forest Lodge the children have access to an autism friendly environment and classroom, a soft play/therapy room, sensory room, a kitchen for life skills as well their own outdoor playground and garden.
Admissions to Forest Lodge are decided by the local authority through SEND placement panel. This is done in conjunction with the school. We do welcome requests for tours so please feel free to get in touch if you would like to visit.
