The Shared Learning Trust (TLST), in conjunction with Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) has opened a specialist resource provision for children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

This ASC provision sits in a new specialist purpose built unit (picture 1), which is in its own space, but also is within the mainstream school grounds (picture 2). It provides education for a maximum of 10 pupils between Reception and Year 4, staffed by a teacher and several teaching assistants, who are highly experienced in the needs of children with autistic spectrum conditions. 

Admission

To gain entry, all pupils will need to have an EHCP that clearly identifies that they have a difficulty on the Autistic Spectrum as their prime area of need. All pupils are assessed for their suitability for the provision against agreed criteria by Central Bedfordshire Local Authority. Pupils will not be admitted through the mainstream school but again through Central Bedfordshire Local Authority.

Pupils selected by the local authority to attend are those who would have difficulty accessing a mainstream class but have the potential to do so for at least some of the school day if they have a secure base and enough structure and support is put in place to facilitate this. 

Those considered appropriate for admission based on EHC Needs assessment will be referred through the CBC SEND Team. The decision to admit will be taken by an appropriate Team Manager following consultation undertaken in compliance with S39 (6) Students and Families Act 2014.

Please contact your SEN Office at Central Bedfordshire Council to request consultation.

Please note admission will not be via a school place at The Rushmere Park Academy.

If you would like to get in touch with The Kingfisher Provision, please email kingfisherprovision@thesharedlearningtrust.org.uk

Mainstream school access

We are an inclusive part of The Rushmere Park Academy, following policies to create a consistent approach for our pupils. 

Students placed within the SRP have access to the mainstream school setting and its facilities as appropriate, at a level that is accessible to and meaningful to each student. This is decided in a bespoke way for each student, based on assessment of learning and other risk assessments as required. 

Staff will work with pupils to assist them in increasing their organisation and independence skills and to assist them in partaking in as much whole school life as possible, both academic and social. Pupils are encouraged to join clubs and socialise with other pupils. They are encouraged to participate in special events such as trips, discos, sports day and charity fundraising events. 

All the pupils are following the National Curriculum programmes of study for both core and foundation subjects.