Woodhill Primary School Local Authority Resource Provision (LARP)

The Orchard is a new Local Authority Resourced Provision within the school which provides a learning environment split over 2 classes. We can cater for 16 pupils who have an Education, Health and Care Plan with a primary need of autism with severe learning difficulties. Woodhill Primary School is proud to be one of the first 3 Local Authority Resourced Provisions in Greenwich for children with Complex Autism.The Local Authority Resourced Provisions (LARP) are a new initiative in Greenwich, commissioned by the Local Authority in response to the growing number of children needing a specialist provision to support their continued progression and development. Our provision is led by a teacher, supported by highly trained staff who work responsively together to meet the children’s needs. In addition, we have outreach support from Speech and Language and Occupational Therapy who make both individual and general recommendations, targets, training and reviews for children within The Orchard.

 

Curriculum Vision

At Woodhill Primary School, our aim is to provide a safe, happy and stimulating learning environment that engages and inspires all learners and encourages every child to reach their full potential. 

In order to ensure this, The Orchard considers the need of each child and provides:

• Tailored, personalised learning journeys designed with each class’ children in mind.

• Multi-sensory approach and hands-on learning across the curriculum.

• Low-arousal environment, with opportunities for break out spaces and sensory areas to support regulation.

• A total communication approach - children will have access to a range of communication methods, including Makaton and AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), to ensure they have access to a preferred method of communication.

• Learning through play opportunities which are carefully planned for and intentional during outdoor learning.

• Attention building foci such as Attention Autism, Drama Games and Intensive Interaction.

• Sensory Circuits and heavy work breaks planned into the timetable but also used when necessary to prepare children for learning.

• Opportunities to develop independence skills, from accessing a TEACCH workstation, to eating and drinking or toileting routines.

Admissions

Our children have been allocated a space at The Orchard after being discussed at the Complex Autism LARP Panel. Follow this link to the Greenwich SEND Admissions document which provides more details.

All children will:

• Be aged 4-11 years old (Reception to Year 6)

• Have a primary diagnosis of Autism with the context of Severe Learning Difficulties 

• Have highly complex needs due to their Autism i.e. educationally their Autism and associated learning difficulties must present as a major barrier to them accessing education in a mainstream class.

• Almost all children have an EHCP, although occasionally children will be admitted on assessment places/ within the Needs Assessment process where there is sufficient information to make an informed placement decision.

• Be unable to access the school curriculum even when adapted i.e. cannot attend to teacher-led learning, needing a fully practical curriculum, with universal rather than subject level learning

• Only benefit from highly specialist Autism specific interventions

• Require a high staff / pupil ratio.

• Need an integrated plan to support learning including interventions designed by a SALT and OT.

• Need child-centered provision considering every aspect of the child or young person's day.

• Need access to specialist sensory interventions.

• Be working consistently within pre-Key Stage standards/ early National curriculum levels.

Typically, Children and Young People will:

• Have significant difficulties with communicating basic needs.

•  Be severely challenged by their Autism and additional needs in a range of possible areas including sensory processing and life skills

• Not be meeting age related expectations due to their Autism and severe language/learning delays.

• Have significant sensory challenges and they may be extremely motivated to follow their own (possibly sensory) agenda.

• Have extreme difficulties in social motivation, which frequently prevents the pupil or young person from engaging with most social activities.

• Often display challenging behaviour which a mainstream class teacher would find difficult to effectively accommodate.

Children and Young People will not:

• Have complex medical and personal care needs

• Have a primary need of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)

• Have a diagnosis of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

• Have Global developmental delay (GDD) without a diagnosis of Autism

Facilities

The Orchard at Woodhill is housed in a secure area of the school with its own entrance and two outdoor spaces. The area includes two classrooms (Olive and Mulberry Class), a shared learning space, toilets with changing facilities, and a sensory room. There is step-free access to the building, however a large part of the outdoor space is sloped.

About the team

Specialist Teacher: Paul Fernando-Thorne

 

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA): Andre Abrahams and Silvia Alvares

 

SEN Teaching Assistant (TA): Patrice Solomon, Sarah Owhin and 1 Vacancy

 

Once your child has been offered a place at the Woodhill LARP..

Your child’s class teacher will be in touch to introduce themselves, discuss your child’s phased start and to answer any questions you may have. Before your child starts their first day at The Orchard at Woodhill, you and your child will be invited in to meet the staff and explore the provision.

Our phased start is an integral part of welcoming new pupils to The Orchard. It enables pupils to focus on building new relationships and understanding new structures and expectations at a pace that is not overwhelming. 

The table outlines the phased start which we follow for all of our new pupils. However, your child’s teacher or the SENCO may wish to speak to you about making adjustments to the timetable depending on the needs of your child. 

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