Current Projects
Learning Resource Centre, College Campus, Southampton
The College Campus is a educational establishment for students aged between 16-19. Facilities available include an ICT suite, a teaching kitchen, a quiet area and art facilities. If offers up to 52 week provision for up to six students.
The College Campus is situated in Southampton, very near Southampton Common. It has strong public transport links which assists us in helping our students become active members of the community. We specialise in the support and education of students who have a statement of special educational needs issued by their Local Education Authority and are diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum. Students are educated within a large homely environment and in this year we hope to convert an area to be utilised where work experience could be undertaken by the students who for one reason or another are not able to access the wider community for their work experience.
The building proposed by the architect utilises the footprint of the existing building, and divided into four rooms (one of which will be a sensory room). The other three could be used as follows:
- Classroom 1: An office setup.
- Classroom 2: A dirty workshop.
- Classroom 3: A clean workshop.
The Proposal – Classroom 1
It is proposed that Classroom 1 be set up as an office. This would have a dual purpose, for instance it could be used as a base for visiting Administration support for the educational staff. In addition it could be used as work experience for those students that teaching staff deemed would benefit from this type of work experience.
Classroom 2 – Dirty Workshop
The area of Classroom 2 could be setup as a maintenance/repair workshop for bicycles. This would mean that a mini enterprise scheme could be set up for the students. It would require specific equipment for the stated purpose.
Classroom 3 – Clean Workshop
The area of Classroom 3 could be setup as a maintenance/repair workshop for wooden items, it could also be used by the students to make such items as planters, bird tables etc.. This would mean that a mini enterprise scheme could be set up for the students. It would require specific equipment for the stated purpose.
Classroom 4 – Sensory Room
A larger sensory room is required. Sensory equipment is required
Outreach
The need for an Outreach Service
A diagnosis of a autism will affect the whole family. The issues
accompanying the condition may include: difficulties with communication
and social interaction, challenging behaviours, agression toward others.
Similar conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety or
depression may affect some. Because of the impact on the whole family,
at times siblings may feel isolated or excluded and parents/carers
themselves may need advice and support from Outreach services.
It is extremely important that people providing care for those with autism spectrum condition are given knowledge and skills, not only to deal with the presenting behaviours, but also to navigate the complex routes through the education, social services, health and benefits systems. These systems are by their very nature fragmented, often uncoordinated and bureaucratic. A lack of joined up services mean that families often do not have one point of contact for comprehensive information and support. It is essential that these families receive independent and timely information, advice, advocacy and services.
Outreach Officers
We currently have two part-time Outreach Officers. Their main role
consists of receiving incoming calls and emails from parents/carers,
families and professionals; providing advice and support in relation to
any aspect of austism. They also liaise with local autism support
groups in Hampshire and maintain a lending library of autism books and
videos.
Outreach & Project Manager (OPM)
We also currently have an Outreach & Project Manager (OPM) whose role is to develop projects with private, public and voluntary partnerships. Current projects are Autism Alert Programme, QEII Activity Centre, Pathway Group, Wordsworth House and Royal South
Hants. The OPM raises awareness and supports professionals who work with autism.
We are aware that there is a great need for autism outreach services in Hampshire
and the expansion of this service to ensure the continuation of these posts are
essential.
Playground Proposal
Description of Project
The soft, safety tarmac within the swing area needs
replacing and area extending.
Swings to be replaced and slide and see-saw to be added within the area.
Why needed
All students enjoy playing in the playground and spending
time on the swings which helps to stimulate and support them to remain calm and
interact with their peers.
At present the Playground is in a poor state and needs
urgent attention.
This will also support referrals when parents and outside
agencies come to visit
