Athena Admissions
In deciding where you’d like your child to attend, it is really important to find out as much as you can about the settings you are considering. At Hermitage we are incredibly proud of our Autism Spectrum Condition Unit, which can cater for up to 12 children in KS1 and KS2. As a specialist unit, admission to Athena is managed through a referral process that is separate to the rest of the school.
The Athena Centre admits pupils from year two to year six. Our pupils follow an engaging curriculum where they learn through play, exploration, practical activities and community involvement. The curriculum prioritises and promotes engagement in all areas; engagement is a prerequisite to cognition and learning.
Our curriculum is personalised to the pupils through the use of our Engagement Model Matrix, observation gathering and team reflection. Our pedological approach focuses on automaticity and we provide daily opportunities to recap, rehearse and revisit prior learning. We use a variety of teaching approaches and methods, depending on the needs of the child. These include the SCERTS framework, aspects of TEACCH, PECS and Social Stories.
Children at the Athena Centre are a part of our thriving school community while also receiving access to specialist support.
If you’d like to know more, you can visit our Athena curriculum [hyperlink to correct webpage] page on the website, or get in touch with us at athena@letta.org.uk to arrange a visit.
Admissions Criteria
As a specialist unit, there are specific criteria children will need to meet in order to be considered for admission.
- All children must have a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Condition and a finalised EHC Plan of special educational needs in place.
- ASC must be the primary area of need – those who are awaiting a diagnosis or EHCP will not be considered for placement.
- There must be professional advice and evidence that the child’s cognitive ability shows a curriculum designed to assess using the Engagement Model is appropriate.
- Children will be pre/non speaking and be developing another form of symbolic communication.
- Using the SCERTS model, children will have been identified as Social Partners or early Language Partners.
- Using Phoenix Steps assessment, pupils will be assessed as working between Step 1 – Step 14.
Referral & Admissions Process
All referrals to the Athena Centre are considered through the Disability Panel at the Local Authority.
Staff from the unit will visit every child (at home and in their current school setting), before or during consultation, before consideration can be given to a placement.
Current school settings will share EHCP and any safeguarding information.
The Local Authority Disability Service, and the professionals within this, will propose admissions to the unit but the final decision as to whether or not to admit will rest with the Unit Manager, Headteacher and CEO.
Exit Criteria
A place at the Athena Centre will not necessarily remain appropriate throughout a child’s time in the primary sector. The provision at Athena is specific and children’s needs can change. Sometimes their progress indicates that a change of provision or placement is necessary. As such, the following guidance will be used & discussed at every annual review to ensure that placement at the Athena Centre remains appropriate for every child placed there.
Change of provision will be discussed when the statutory Engagement Model assessment guidance is no longer suitable for a pupil.
- Evidence will show they are no longer SCERTS Social Partners or Early Language Partners and/ or they are working at Phoenix Step 15 or above.
- Evidence will show pupil is able to confidently access SCERTS Model Language Partners communication skills.
- Evidence will show pupil is able to access Pre-key Stage, or National, Curriculum (subject specific learning).
- Any discussions about a change of provision will be based on evidence presented at the annual review meeting. Preliminary discussions will be held with parents/carers. The evidence should include recent professional reports about the child.
- Any changes of placement will require a transition programme agreed by both schools and parents/carers.
- Changes of placement that are deemed to be an emergency by the Athena Centre Management/ Leadership team will be supported by the LA Officer and will be completed as quickly as possible to minimise distress to the child.