Autism Outreach for Schools

Autism Outreach for Schools is commissioned by Surrey County Council and is available free of charge to all mainstream primary schools and academies in Surrey. Woodlands deliver Autism Outreach for Primary Schools in the East of Surrey.

Our aim is to support mainstream schools to meet the needs of their autistic and neurodiverse pupils or those undiagnosed but struggling in similar areas. We work with mainstream schools to promote inclusive whole school practice (universal support) as well as supporting staff working with individual pupils (targeted support).

The outreach team is made up of teachers and teaching assistants who have a range of training in autism-specific strategies, and many staff have experience working in both mainstream and specialist school settings.

Autism Oureach for Schools Website

Targeted Support

Targeted support for pupils referred to the Autism Outreach for Schools service includes an observation of pupils in their classroom and meetings with school staff and parents to discuss concerns and strategies to help. Following the visit, a written report is produced which outlines observations, forms a record of discussions held and provides information about the strategies we recommend. For some pupils, it may be appropriate to have a chat with our staff member directly.

Most of the pupils that we support will have a diagnosis of autism, but some may not and a referral is still appropriate for pupils with similar needs, or those who are awaiting diagnosis.

Pupils must be referred by school staff, with parental permission. The Referral form can be found below.

Universal Support

Our Universal Support offer includes staff training, demonstrating the use of a particular strategy, supporting schools who are conducting SEN reviews or audits, meetings and learning walks to discuss neurodiversity friendly environments and giving advice or information over the phone or by email. Please contact elizabeth.stockwell@woodlands.surrey.sch.uk for more information.

 

Traded Offer

Autism Outreach for Schools is happy to visit independent schools and schools outside of Surrey, for both targeted student support and training. This is on a traded basis (fees available on request). Please contact elizabeth.stockwell@woodlands.surrey.sch.uk for more information or to book a visit.

Training Sessions

The Autism Outreach Team also runs training sessions at Woodlands School and at Cranmere Primary School (where we have our satellite provision), on the following topics.

• Supporting Autistic Learners
• Approaches for Demand Avoidance (PDA)
• Autism & Masking
• Autistic Girls
• Sensory Regulation
• Sensory Circuits