Central Integrated Primary school is delighted to achieve the Autism Impact Award. The school has been working hard over the past academic year to implement adjustments to support pupils with autism. Three members of the school staff took on the roles of Autism Impact Champions and planned and implemented a range of adjustments to support pupils with autism. Mrs Lowry, school SENco said, “We are pleased to announce that Central Integrated Primary School has achieved the Autism Impact Award and are now Impact Award Champions. We are delighted to be recognised as an Autism Friendly school.”
The school has implemented a range of strategies to support children when they become emotionally dysregulated. For example, visual movement breaks have now been placed along the school corridors to give children a sensory break from the busy classroom.
An engaging sensory corridor leads children to the well-equipped sensory room that is used regularly. The school also has a Nurture Room which is used regularly by small groups to develop children’s social and communication skills and turn-taking. There is also a kitchen attached where the children can bake and make breakfast etc. The school has a sensory garden in the playground which contains plants with different textures as well as having quiet zones where children can make music and have a quiet space.
The Outdoor Classroom has also been renovated so that it can be used as a quiet space for children who find the playground overwhelming at break and lunch time. The room has soft fabrics and an ‘Under the Sea’ theme. The children can play jigsaws, building blocks or read in this quiet area in the playground. Children have responded very well to this and return to class calm and regulated after break and lunch. The outdoor canopy area is also set up with tabletop and construction toys for children to use during break and lunch. This also provides a quiet area for a small group.
This year the school is introducing an ASD Parent Support Group. This group of parents and carers will meet each half term where they can share their own stories and strategies that have worked for them when supporting their child at home. This will be a safe space for parents to form a supportive network and make new friendships. There will also be workshops each term facilitated by Strive NI, for parents and carers to be upskilled in emotional regulation, anxiety-based school avoidance and sleep.
