The Autism bases at Market Field School are specialist classes for children who need a more specialist and highly staffed environment. The autism bases are a specialist provision designed to meet the learning needs of pupils whose autism diagnosis has a ‘more profound impact’ on their needs. The Autism bases have low arousal classrooms which are equipped with a range of sensory toys and activities, designed to both motivate and regulate the children. Most classrooms contain ‘learning booths’ which are designed to provide a space within the classroom where pupils can learn in a 1:1 setting with minimal visual distractions. 

The children have regular sessions to work on life skills, for example, daily personal hygiene routines, weekly cooking sessions and a daily focus on independence with an aim to reduce dependency in later life.  

In the Autism bases each class is different, and each child is also different. Therefore, it is ensured that all our children are given the opportunities to learn the skills that are most useful and beneficial to them in the longer term.  Much of what is taught is based around their EHCP document but the additional targets worked on in class are usually more distinct and discrete and a bespoke curriculum is used to plan these. The time the children spend with us in school is valuable and limited, therefore it is our ethical obligation to ensure the children are taught skills that will enable them to live the best and most independent life they can.