The Link

We are a small specialist provision within Archers Brook for SEMH pupils who also have a diagnosis autism, social interaction, speech and language and communication needs. We support The Link’s pupils in their gradual and personalised transition to the main school. We aim to have pupils resilient enough to be with their form group during Y9 but remain as an additional offer for them throughout their time on roll at our school.

Practical subjects are taken in school to increase our pupils’ familiarity and resilience and to prepare them for moving around school and other subjects are taught in the Link area.

In The Link’s intimate setting, pupils are able to mix and learn in a safe and carefully supervised environment. We us Social Stories, pastoral-social development, sensory sessions and play to encourage our young people’s social skills and to build confidence and to build co and self regulation skills. Pupils are supported through visual aids, visual prompts, scaffolded learning, personalised learning strategies ; our key tools are visual reminders, timetables, task lists and writing frames and expectations about boundaries and kindness. In The Link, we liaise closely with families, always with respect, trust and openness.

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)is a lifelong condition, which affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and can present difficulties or differences for the person in their thinking, imagination and sensitivity of their senses. As a spectrum condition, individuals with autism will share similar difficulties, however the way in which autism will impact on the individual is unique.

Sensory difficulties are becoming increasingly prominent in pupils with ASC and communication needs. Some children with autism can be more sensitive than usual to environmental stimuli such as noise, light, clothing or temperature. Others with ASC and communication needs can have lowered sensitivity levels.