ASD Centre Consultation - Cranford Community College

Consultation on proposal to establish an ASD Centre at
Cranford Community College
Introduction: the consultation process
This document outlines the proposal to respond to the need to establish a Centre for pupils
with Autistic Spectrum Disorder at Cranford Community College. This would be for 15
students of secondary school age. It would enable those students to access the mainstream
curriculum of the school and to receive the support they require.
The Centre would open in September 2014 with a small intake and would gradually increase
its number of students over several years.
The 15 places in the Autism Centre would be in addition to the Published Admission Number
(PAN) of the school; therefore it would not reduce the number of places available for years 7
to 11.
The purpose of this consultation is to inform the local community about the changes in order
to invite responses from key stakeholders. During this process, the Academy Trust Board
and the London Borough of Hounslow will continue to evaluate the financial and building
implications to ensure that the proposal can be implemented effectively.
Why Cranford Community College?
Cranford Community College is a mixed secondary school which gained Academy status in
March 2011. It is a multi-cultural, comprehensive and inclusive education provider for
students from 11-19 years old. Cranford Community College is a highly popular school with
a large and expanding sixth form. In October 2012, the school was judged as outstanding
by Ofsted.
The educational benefits of developing a Centre on the site of the school are that this
arrangement will provide opportunities for inclusion in the widest sense:
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Membership of a mainstream school community providing opportunities for social
interaction and friendship with mainstream peers.
A specialist environment designed to maximise the learning potential of children and
young people with autism, supplemented by access to mainstream facilities.
Opportunities for some inclusion in mainstream learning and activities if appropriate.
Consultation Document: Autistic Spectrum Disorder Centre – Cranford Community College
Why is this being proposed?
There is a need for increased specialist provision for students with special educational needs
(SEN) across the borough. This is particularly true for students who can access a
mainstream school’s curriculum but need additional educational or personal support to
enable them to do so successfully. Hounslow Council and the school believe that these
students should be able to attend local schools wherever possible – at the moment these
students may have to attend schools far from home due to a lack of suitable local provision.
This proposed Centre would:
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Increase local access to education (both the curriculum and wider school activities)
for students with ASD for whom a mainstream experience is suitable.
Improve the specialist support available for these students within the school through
dedicated staff who would be appropriately qualified and trained.
Provide appropriate facilities with the ASD Centre for the students and provide this
within the heart of the school as part of a commitment to inclusion.
The proposal to establish an ASD Centre at Cranford Community College is one of a number
of SEN proposals that the Council is developing with schools – Hounslow has 16 SEN
Centres in mainstream schools and there are plans to establish more. There will be
consultations at other schools, primary and secondary, in the coming months on the
establishment of other Centres for students with particular needs and about the expansion of
the existing special schools in the borough.
What would the impact be?
The 15 places at the Centre would be in addition to the existing number of pupils at the
school. There would be no impact on the Publish Admission Number of 210 students each
year into Year 7. The school will also continue to admit pupils whose statements name
Cranford Community College, but who are able to access education in the main school
instead of requiring support from the Centre
Students will be admitted to the ASD Centre if they have a Statement of Special Educational
Needs that named the Centre as the most appropriate school place for them. The process
of statementing is managed by the Local Authority. Although the government is proposing
changes to SEN, the role of the Local Authority as the manager of the process is unlikely to
change.
The ASD Centre would be located in accommodation with the school to the north end of the
site, with a discrete entrance to provide a safe and secure environment for Centre students.
Additional accommodation will be provided to the south end of the school site, for which
planning permission has already been obtained, to replace the accommodation devoted to
the Centre. The Centre will comprise 2 main buildings, joined by a garden area. The total
floor space of 290m2 would provide specialist accommodation, including a sensory room and
toilet facilities.
The school would be funded by Hounslow Council to employ specialist staff to support
students in the ASD Centre, which would add to the expertise available within the school.
Consultation Document: Autistic Spectrum Disorder Centre – Cranford Community College
How do I have my say?
The consultation runs from Monday 10th February 2014 to Friday 6th April 2014 (8
weeks). All parents and staff at the school have been sent this document, as have other
local schools and Councillors and other key stakeholders. Comments or objections can be
made on any grounds.
The Governors would welcome any comments about this proposal. Please email
[email protected] or write to the Headteacher at the school address.
The school will also be hosting a public meeting to discuss the proposals on Tuesday, 4th
March 2014 at 6 pm at Cranford Community College
What are the next steps?
The Governing Body will consider the responses from the consultation and the other
information regarding areas such as finance and buildings. The next steps depend on what
the Governors decide:
 If Governors decide to proceed: the Governing Body would request the permission of
the Secretary of State to establish the ASD Centre, and would enter into agreement
with Hounslow Council for the building works and future funding.
 If Governors decide not to proceed: They could request further information to inform
a decision at a later date, or could decide that they do not wish to establish the ASD
Centre.
Background Information - What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition, which is part of the autism spectrum. This
spectrum is often referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and includes Asperger
syndrome. Autism is a difference in thinking style and individuals on the autism spectrum
see the world in a different way from the majority of other individuals. The word spectrum is
used because, while all people with autism and Asperger syndrome share three main areas
of difficulty, their condition will affect them in very different ways.
The three main areas of difficulty which all people with an autism spectrum disorder share is
often referred to as the ‘triad of impairments’. They are:
• Difficulty with social communication
• Difficulty with social interaction
• Difficulty in developing flexible thinking and understanding how others think and feel
Approximately 1 out of every 100 people in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
has an autism spectrum disorder. ASD affects an individual in all aspects of their life, but
with appropriate support, many individuals with autism and Asperger syndrome can develop
effective coping strategies and go on to lead successful and happy lives.
(Adapted from the National Autistic Society website: www.nas.org.uk)
Consultation Response Form
Questionnaire on the following Proposal:
Do you support the proposal to establish an Autism Centre at Cranford Community College
Yes / Unsure/No (please delete as appropriate)
Consultation Document: Autistic Spectrum Disorder Centre – Cranford Community College
Do you have any comments you wish to make?
Your name: …………………………………………. Date: ……………………..
Address:
Postcode:
Your status (e.g. Pupil / Parent / Governor / Member of Staff / Other)
Thank you for your comments.
Please return this form to Autism Centre Consultation, Cranford Community College, High
Street, Cranford, Hounslow, Middlesex. TW5 9PD to arrive at school by Friday 6th April
2014
Consultation Document: Autistic Spectrum Disorder Centre – Cranford Community College

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