Autism Centre of Expertise (ACE)
ACE is Nene Park Academy’s autism hub provision. ACE is funded by Peterborough City Council and has a maximum of 8 places available, which can be applied for through the Peterborough City Council consultation process. ACE is part of the hub network which Peterborough offers to support students with SEND to access mainstream education across this city.
How does a student access an autism hub place at Nene Park Academy?
The following guidelines will be used to consider if a hub placement is appropriate:
- The child/young person must have an EHCP
- The child/young person have a diagnosis of autism
- The views of the child/young person and their parents/carers.
- The child/young person’s ability: The child/young person will be able to access the mainstream curriculum with reasonable adjustments in place.
- Evidence to show that reasonable adjustments, interventions, and support has been made in the child/young person’s local school in line with their EHCP and/or what it is reasonable to provide in a mainstream school.
- Evidence shows that the school has sought support from relevant external professionals and has clearly followed their advice and recommendations.
What happens when a young person is awarded a place in ACE?
The principal aim of ACE is to provide a transitional base for autistic students to be supported to access mainstream lessons and be part of the wider school community. It is designed to help students succeed in a mainstream school environment while receiving extra support when needed. The support offered is tailored to suit the needs and strengths of the pupils. ACE students follow the same curriculum as their peers but also have access to specialist support either in the classroom; in small group sessions outside of it or in ACE.
The goal is to help each student build the skills they need to join in fully with school life and prepare for adulthood. ACE also helps other schools in Peterborough learn how to better support autistic students, by creating an inclusive environment where autistic students can thrive.
Through a Hub placement, ACE students will:
- Develop a personalised toolkit of strategies that enable them to build independence during secondary school, continuing into post-16 education and adulthood
What support is offered in ACE?
- ACE is a safe, learning environment which can be accessed during tutor time, break times and throughout the day. There is access to a sensory room and smaller work rooms, alongside the main room in ACE.
- ACE staff can support students to be part of the wider school community, in lessons, on trips and at events in and out of school.
- ACE students have tailored, individualised timetables to meet the needs and strengths of the students.
- ACE works closely with parents and carers to make sure everyone is being supported in the right way.
- Staff explore strategies with students to best support their integration into wider school life and accessibility to learning. These strategies are communicated across the staff team to provide a cohesive approach of support.
- Staff support with social interactions and making friends.
- Students can use AV1 robots to support their transition to some mainstream lessons.
- ACE offers additional support for transitions into and out of school.
The ACE staff team want to:
- Create a school community where everyone respects each other and supports autistic students, so everyone has the opportunity to explore and reach their potential.
- Inspire and upskill Peterborough schools and professionals with termly training on best practice for supporting autistic students accessing education.