Little Hillbrook Early Years ASD Resource Base at Hillbrook School

Little Hillbrook is a maintained Special Nursery at Hillbrook School, which caters for children between 2-4 years old who have been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Social Communication Disorders (SCD).

The class size in the nursery (Resource Base) is a maximum of 10 children, with a high adult to child ratio.

The nursery provides all children with access to the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, which is differentiated according to their needs and abilities. All staff are trained in specialist strategies to assist in pupils’ communication, including the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Makaton.

The school uses structured teaching approaches including TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped
Children) and Attention Autism to support learning and task completion. Pupils have the opportunity to mix with the mainstream nursery classes and participate in an integration programme to further develop their communication skills.

Speech and language therapy and occupational therapy are an integral part of Little Hillbrook. A part time speech and language therapist and occupational therapist work closely with staff in the planning and delivery of the curriculum to support children’s communication and physical needs. Therapists also provide individual and small group support to children, training to parents and an outreach service.

In addition to a classroom, there is a sensory room equipped with a swing and other specialist resources, a covered outdoor area and safe surface playground.