Case study – Helen Allison School

Helen Allison School

Helen Allison is a positive, friendly school. It has been bringing out the best in children on the autism spectrum for over 50 years. Furthermore, it provides a stimulating, high quality education. Each child is supported to help them reach their full potential. Whilst well trained and enthusiastic staff keep them safe. Children are cared for on two sites, split by stage of development and need rather than age specifically.

The school teaches students in a “through school” model utilising Primary, Middle, Secondary and Post 16. So classes are split by ability and social/emotional ability rather than age. All students attending the school are funded via their respective local authorities on either a standard or enhanced package.  Practically speaking students often travel long distances to attend the school with the majority utilising local authority transport. More importantly, students can be admitted at any point throughout the year and must have an EHCP with a primary diagnosis of ASD.

Classes + Subjects

All classes have a dedicated and qualified teacher who plans their curriculum and is the first point of contact with parents. There are separate specialist teachers delivering PE, Creative Arts, Modern Foreign Languages and Food Technology. Not only that but all students have access to the on-site psychology, speech, language and occupational therapy departments with therapies being delivered both directly and indirectly. Both the educational and therapy teams design individual curriculums for every student in conjunction with NAS guidelines. A large family of support workers are present.

Overall, the Helen Allison School is a truly inspirational place for young people to learn and flourish. They are seen as unique individuals with exceptional talent and potential. It really is an honour and pleasure to work with our students on a daily basis.

Heritage Meadowmat

It is into this context that we were pleased to be able to support the school by supplying some Heritage Meadowmat wildflower turf to help add variety to the school garden. The 22 species of UK native wildflowers and grasses in Heritage Meadowmat® adapt well to growing in shallow, poor nutrient soils with very little human intervention. It was originally developed to meet the demand for a quick-to-install green roofing material.  Not only does it do that job admirably but it has also brought biodiversity to some amazing living roofs. However, we also rather like the way it brings a splash of colour to gardens – and so do the butterflies, moths and bees!